John Ralston Saul Quotes
A referendum is little more than a "rumour of choice." The idea behind the mechanism, ever since its first modern manifestations two centuries ago under Napoleon, has been to replace democracy with the sensation of democracy. That is: to replace the slow, complex, eternally unclear continuity of democracy, and all the awkwardness of citizen participation, with something clear and fast which allows those in power to impose their agenda. Through an apparently simple question with a one-syllable answer, those who ask can get a blank cheque from the citizenry; that is, if they choose their moment well and come up with a winning question.
John Ralston Saul, Canadian Philosopher & Author, Reflections of a Siamese Twin
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
“Wets” were opposed to Prohibition while “drys” were in favor. The Ohio legislature ratified the 18th amendment to the Constitution enacting Prohibition, but in a statewide referendum, the people voted against it. The Supreme Court ruled that regardless of the will of the populace, it is only the legislature that could ratify or not ratify a Constitutional amendment passed by Congress.
The British Government was planning to have a referendum on changes that might be negotiated in the laws of the European union vis a vis the member nations.
John Ralston Saul CC OOnt is a Canadian writer, political philosopher, and public intellectual. Saul is most widely known for his writings on the nature of individualism, citizenship and the public good; the failures of manager-led societies; the confusion between leadership and managerialism; military strategy, in particular irregular warfare; the role of freedom of speech and culture; and critiques of the prevailing economic paradigm. He is a champion of freedom of expression and was the International President of PEN International, an association of writers. Saul is the co-founder and co-chair of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, a national charity promoting the inclusion of new citizens. He is also the co-Founder and co-Chair of 6 Degrees, the global forum for inclusion. Saul is also the husband to the former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, making him the Viceregal consort of Canada during most of her service (1999-2005).
