Setting aside Capitalism vs. Communism (or maybe I just think I am), this structure vs. that. Why is it that there aren’t really huge lists of alternatives? Where are the people who are imagining new government structures?

Like electing citizens to office at random, like we do with jury duty (forget the word for it). Or totally different arrangements of legislatures. Or even a pure democracy in a modern sense. That one is especially probably a terrible idea, and they’re not even that unique, but who is brainstorming this stuff? Is it mostly just sci-fi authors? Where is it talked about that isn’t already bending toward a team in the already-existing scheme of things? Even the most radical sorts are referencing back to books/ideas that are a century old. There are ultimately like four ideas and we just kind of gave up? That’s all of them?

Why have we seen so few different approaches tried? Or seemingly even imagined? I feel like even in fiction, it’ll be 2,000 years in the future and the whole thing is structured like a glorified city council ruling entire star systems. I feel like it’s difficult even for our minds to imagine anything truly inventive, in that sense. Is that baked into the concept? Is it because we’re just dumb monkeys that only understand “big strong monkey better?” HAS this stuff been written about extensively and I’m just unaware (probably, yes)?

  • humanspiral@lemmy.ca
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    5 hours ago

    US rulership is rigged to serve Oligarchist/zionist/warmongering mandate. US colonies rigged to serve CIA/Oligarchist alliance. The first obstacle to democracy is do you need the current rulership structure’s permission for it?

    The only alternative to that permission is secession or those “Freedom cities” that are unfortunately backed by technofascists and “radical zionists”. Secession requires permission to not be genocided. One way to obtain that permission is by paying for “protection tribute” from powerful neighbours, and former slave master. Paying tax without receiving any services in return whatsoever. This can also be done by giving your “protection master” bonds for free, or if they buy bonds, a very high interest rate. Or simply give them a percentage of tax revenue. If they break their protection promise, you are allowed to cancel the bond. You can buy protection from multiple parties including nuclear weapon strikes against your other protectors “aggression”.

    Freedom cities while somehow marketed as fascist tax havens are opportunities for better democracy too. Crypto currency systems have very good democracy elements to them. Can have UBI/freedom dividends supported by a tax system that is based on half “density based property taxes” (Georgianism), and half local sales taxes, and global income taxes. This is a non slavery based prosperity system, that eliminates crime and homelessness. Verifying residency is only requirement, and regular payments for groceries and rent through crypto can be proof enough. Those who live in less than average square footage, spend less than average, and earn less than average have a net tax refund/subsidy. Those who earn more enjoy a peaceful city with massive amenities. Hedonist freedoms would generally attract more residents than they repel, IMO.

    Direct democracy, with revocable delegation rights, is easy under several crypto systems. Delegating your stake to a validator gives them the right to vote on any proposal/issue in your place. But if you vote on that issue, then it overrides your share of the delegate’s vote. Residency verification can make voting 1 resident=1vote instead of usual crypto 1 coin=1vote. This allows you to trust someone overall to represent you, while still representing yourself whenever you want. You can also change delegates at any time. I get how your “randomly selected leaders” also avoids oligarchist beholdment, but after they are elected/appointed, they will make new friends very quickly, who will explain how their self enrichment can also make America great again with their media help.

    If the US government/President authorizes fascist freedom cities, what could be the rationale against turning your existing city into a pure democracy freedom city? Or at least applying for one of the 10 “spots” with a real democracy governance proposal that is still a tax haven from US empire costs, and carry implicit protection costs (for freeish) by being offered.