A weblog with random thoughts and reflections on society and ecology.
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Tuesday, December 24, 2002
Beyond Polarization
In my work, I am expected to spend part of my time promoting progressive political issues. But I am uncomfortable doing it in a way that will contribute to the polarization in an already too polarized community. In Eugene, polarization is a big part of the problem.
I have sought solutions to this. One of the most promising is citizen councils, and assisting in promoting and organizing those locally.
Citizen councils will help promote a more inclusive and deeply democratic process. This is one of the goals of the progressives, and it can also help heal the polarization in the wider community.
I am personally exited (following my passion!) about citizen councils for many reasons. In regular politics, we all know each other's positions and which one gets implemented is a matter of who has the most power. It is a predictable and frustrating process. With citizen councils, the specific outcome/recommendation is uncertain and often a third - win-win - solution. It makes for a more interesting and exiting process.
The first one will be just an experiment and example of what can be done. There will hopefully be more. It will help us see that there are other ways of doing it than the old win-loose game - a game that many of us are tired of. The more of us who become familiar with this process, the more outdated our current decision making system will appear. And - if we keep at it, it may even be incorporated in the official structure as in Denmark. (I tend to have a long view, so I don't expect this to happen soon!)
11:53
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