Re: If you give a politician 1£ ...
@ baseh and followups
You are not alone! Look up Deliberative Democracy: It addresses the question of professional "elite"* politicians v. "naive" masses, and I agree that education and good, balanced briefings on the topic to be debated are essential. We already use the technology, but petitions and Facebook groups tend to be very one sided at present.
We don't need a referendum on everything (See "The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer"), but I'd be willing to give up a few Bank Holidays to do "citizens" duty as needed.
My wife has just written her MA dissertation on Deliberative Democracy, and as chief proofreader, I've absorbed a little knowledge** ;-)
* See also the Dunning-Kruger effect
** Just enough to be dangerous. Disclaimer: My wife wouldn't necessarily agree with this post
Biting the hand that feeds IT
