Media ignores Maryland citizen group's effort for a little
direct democracy

The January 26th Direct Democracy Forum held in Annapolis to discuss direct
democracy and the enactment of the Citizen's Participation Amendment in
Maryland "...was a bust," according to Randall K. Jewell, Executive
Director of the Committee for Participatory Democracy (CPD), organizers of
the forum.

The politically unaffiliated private citizen's group is attempting to
create a structured petition process, similar to an indirect initiative,
whereby residents can petition a law to consideration in the Statehouse. 
Laws that are defeated or not enacted on in the Assembly could then be
petitioned to a vote by the people in the next general election -- a
fundamental right contained in the First Amendment.

With little or no resources, forum organizers made every effort to gain the
people's attention and attendance at the meeting through exposure and
coverage by the media.  News releases were issued to the media and
organizations like the Direct Democracy Center.  Aside from a single
newspaper announcement, they received no coverage from the media; radio or
television.  Other than speakers and organizers, only a handful of people
attended.  No press.

It's obvious that the media is only interested in sensational coverage of
people demonstrating in the streets, shouting, carrying signs or generally
making fools of themselves.  Ordinary people, concerned citizens,
attempting to participate in democracy are simply ignored, often
discouraged by the media.  Understandable, when we know the media tailors
their reporting to power politics and government.

There are only 27 states where some form of initiative or popular
referendum is available to the people.  Maryland barely makes the list with
a limited petition referral to the ballot for specific legislation enacted
by the legislature.  Why is government so afraid of the dog wagging its own
tail when necessary?  The people have the constitutional right to alter or
reform government when the public good requires it.

All was not lost in the Maryland effort.  The CPD picked up a couple of
strong supporters on their committee and they're deciding where to go from
here.  "We'll never quit!" said Randy Jewell.  We say, "Get behind them and
support the effort, people of Maryland."  E-mail them at: CPD7476@aol.com

Visit "News Flash" again soon.  We'll discuss initiatives and referendums
further...

Meanwhile, we're gearing up to push the Direct Democracy Amendment to the
California Constitution...a ballot initiative for the 2000 general
election.

USE YOUR BROWSER [BACK BUTTON] TO EXIT