1. Referendums are contrary to our system of representation of democracy
2. Referendums can also become divisive and can potentially undermine minority 'rights' through the votes of the majority.
3. They can be controlled by political elites who can set the question and determine campaign rules.
4. Difficult to simplify complex issues into 'yes'/no questions.
5. They can weaken the will of legislature and government to deal with difficult issues.
6. They provide no opportunity for parties and government to engage in consensus-building.
To sum up this situation:
"Most of the people voting in a referendum are not the people who regularly support the bars and restaurants day in and day out. Why should these people make the decisions that should be made by the owners, staffs, and patrons about using a legal product on private property?"
Enforcement of smoking ban should not come as surprise
http://smokersclubinc.com
March 10, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Enforcement of smoking ban should not come as surprise
Smoking laws that are based on lies, half-truths, slanted surveys should be struck down immediately if not sooner.
Http://smokersclubinc.com
http://pasan.thetruthisalie.com
March 10, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Enforcement of smoking ban should not come as surprise
Negative side of Referendums
1. Referendums are contrary to our system of representation of democracy
2. Referendums can also become divisive and can potentially undermine
minority 'rights' through the votes of the majority.
3. They can be controlled by political elites who can set the question and
determine campaign rules.
4. Difficult to simplify complex issues into 'yes'/no questions.
5. They can weaken the will of legislature and government to deal with
difficult issues.
6. They provide no opportunity for parties and government to engage in
consensus-building.
To sum up this situation:
"Most of the people voting in a referendum are not the people who regularly support the bars and restaurants day in and day out. Why should these people make the decisions that should be made by the owners, staffs, and patrons about using a legal product on private property?"
March 10, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. permalink suggest removal