Democracy works best at the local level of our cities and towns

In this day and age we are witnessing an increasing paralysis of the federal government. Our two-party system is failing us. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do to remedy this situation. We the people are totally helpless in this case. This is why I suggest that we concentrate on introducing change at the local level of our cities and towns.

Our two-party system has become the opium of America

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1 — Change through our electoral system

The electoral system allows us to change the people who represent us not to change the system itself. If we want to change the system, we must follow another route.

2 — Change through initiatives and propositions

If we want to change the system, we must follow this second route. Let me explain.

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Religious and political systems tend to perpetuate themselves. The persons who are in charge of the system will replace one another. The system remains the same. In this regard, our political system mimics the Church’s religious system. Bishops must proclaim their faith by reciting the Creed, and they must go to Rome every five years, in order to repeat their allegiance to the Pope.

In our secular system things are hardly different. All our elected officials must be sworn in. What does that mean? In order to answer this question, I propose to read the text of such a ceremony. A judge, acting as the representative of the system, presides over the quasi-religious liturgy. The judge acts as the high priest of the system. Now let’s read the text. Here is what the mayor of Seattle must pledge.

I, […], swear that I possess all the qualifications prescribed in the Seattle city Charter and the Seattle municipal code for the position of mayor.

That I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the state of Washington, and the Charter and Ordinances if the City of Seattle, and that I will faithfully[1] conduct myself as Mayor for the City of Seattle.[2]

The first part is likely to be a pious mistake. In it our mayors assure us that they qualify for the job. It is up to the City Clerk to make sure that the candidates are eligible for the post of Mayor before their names are put on the ballot. After the elections, it makes no sense to raise this question.