I've been wondering why our local government(s) consistently ask us for money, but rarely, if ever, ask us for our actions? After all, it is our actions (and our thoughts) that are the basis of our democracy, not our money.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
For instance, we are working with a consortium of local organizations and governments to create an idle-reduction ordinance affecting all vehicles traversing the region. The goal of such an ordinance is to limit the harmful emissions caused by needless idling. This ordinance requests that people in our region 'take the action' of reducing idling by turning off their engine, when waiting for a period of say, 30 seconds or more.
What are some other examples of requesting an action from citizen in our region, as a means of strengthening our city/region?
2 comments:
The government's role is not to direct our thought or action... Its role is to leave that to the private sector, whose sole instruction to you is that you "buy", (and, accordingly, "auto-start your SUV from your kitchen to warm it up while you eat your morning corn syrup.")
But really...
As you said, the government asks us for money to support itself. It might, then, likewise ask us for action to support itself (ie, voting, taking office, and engagement.)
And it should help fund programs that can achieve what its constituents believe to be best practices for a healthy society.
But should its role really be to instruct?
thanks for your insight.
i guess what i am trying to get across is this idea of a participatory democracy. how do we get people to once again, partake, en mass, in their role as citizen of their respective village/town/city?
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