But let the other party be populist and traditionalist, dedicated to an economic patriotism that puts American workers and farmers ahead of any Global Economy, and to an America First foreign policy that keeps our soldiers, sailors and airmen out of wars and crusades that are not the business of the United States. We are going to be that party. The capstone of a comprehensive plan for political reform is a national initiative and referenda. Twenty-four states give voters the right of initiative and referendum, and we've seen it exercised successfully where the popular will was blocked by legislative gridlock or judicial activism. In California, voters have over-ruled legislatures to cut property taxes, abolish quotas, and insure that all schoolchildren learn the English language.
Elitists argue that the popular initiative and referenda violate the principles of republicanism.
But as Madison wrote, As the people are the only legitimate fountain of power, it seems strictly consonant to the republican theory to recur to the same original authority whenever it may be necessary to enlarge, diminish or new-model the power of government. While public cynicism runs high, so, too, does the will to reform. Citizens held hostage by the two parties, in unholy matrimony with the special interests, want more than just campaign finance reform. They want more than two establishment candidates offering reform rhetoric at the instigation of focus groups. They want authentic reform.