09-28-2010, 10:45 AM
u100 may I introduce a word that I feel more accurately symbolizes what you describe? I feel that consensus, rather than democracy, may be a better word for the harmony of a positive-path social memory complex.
Democracy involves no action without majority agreement. It does insist on representation. But it also involves enforcement of majority choices on dissenting minorities.
Consensus means that ALL agree to proceed together, free of reservations. A minority who are not entirely comfortable and harmonious are respected in consensus. They have the right to prevent the group action. In democracy, a minority's concerns are forced aside. I like the question that is asked by every Quaker clerk before officially documenting their group's decision: "Are all hearts clear?" If there is even ONE "no" then there is no consensus, and the majority does not rule over the dissenter.
Democracy involves no action without majority agreement. It does insist on representation. But it also involves enforcement of majority choices on dissenting minorities.
Consensus means that ALL agree to proceed together, free of reservations. A minority who are not entirely comfortable and harmonious are respected in consensus. They have the right to prevent the group action. In democracy, a minority's concerns are forced aside. I like the question that is asked by every Quaker clerk before officially documenting their group's decision: "Are all hearts clear?" If there is even ONE "no" then there is no consensus, and the majority does not rule over the dissenter.