Blog is good for democratic decision-making

I'm volunteering with a conservation group in Mexico, so I don't have a lot of time to write a post. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to take a few minutes to respond to (Madson School Board Member) Juan Lopez who said of www.schoolinfosystem.org, "I think this kind of forum is destructive." See the story in the Wisconsin State Journal

I respectfully disagree.

A healthy democracy requires healthy debate. The tradition dates back to the Roman forums where citizens debated freely, and support for the necessity of public debate runs through the writing of our country's founders and our constitution.

Mr. Lopez and other board members might sense an unusual flurry of spirited commentary on this forum, because the board may not have provided a forum for the honest exchange of ideas. Suddenly, this blog provides the opportunity. Granted, the board holds public hearings, but they are rarely discussions. Instead, people speak and the board listens. It is most unusual from my experience when the board engages the speaker in a real discussion.

I encourage Mr. Lopez and the other members of the board to debate issues vigorously at board meetings, as well as post on this blog, which represents the best of what democracy offers for free and open debate.

Ulimately, the exchange of ideas on any pending school district decison will produce a better outcome than a decision without debate.

Ed Blume

The comments section is open on this post. Please feel free to agree or disagree. I welcome any comments.

Posted by Ed Blume at February 25, 2005 4:56 PM
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