We need a new basis of constant opportunity for the participation of the public. Periodic voting in pork-barrel contests between rival parties is no democracy. This is a 'least-worst' choice which produces our feeling of helplessness, apathy and, sometimes, fury. To be able to have some say in resolving the problems would, in itself, even without any prospect of immediate material gain, constitute an unimagined improvement in the quality of life of the community. The importance of each of us having an effective opportunity to join in, at will, with discussions on matters of concern, with an actual impact on the decision-making process, cannot be measured.
Every advance grows from an ideal.
Without ideals to pursue we slide backwards. Where there is no vision, the people perish'. We cannot be proud of our country if justice and fairness are not seen to be the norm. Even where justice is present, but not clearly apparent, peace and harmony will continue to elude. It is therefore not hard to see why minorities are restless, aggressive, and violent, in so many places in the world.