Usenet provides a model for unrestricted talking and selective listening. Perhaps these teach us how to proceed. 3. that regional distributions, a la Usenet, might circulate to anyone who logs in, and that any user may request to read the discussion groups of another region. Our own ideas are enhanced and modified by this exchange of viewpoints. The next step is some sort of measurement of consensus.
Participatory democracy includes discussion and debate as well as decision-making.
That is a problem. If it the idea was accepted by this group, it would be passed on to a group representing a larger segment of the population, and they would consider it. This process would continue up to the national level. This tiered system should not be based on fixed groups corresponding only to place of residence, or minorities would often be squelched entirely. Instead, groups should be formed on issues, by people with common views on those issues, and anyone can belong to many groups simultaneously.