As one of the founding members of the California Green Party, I was often irritated with some of the more “idealistic” ideas that not only hindered accomplishments, but were actually undemocratic. Early on, the Party adopted a procedure in which everybody had to agree with a proposal or the proposal died. I pointed out that this was the least democratic procedure possible. What it meant was that one person could rule.
This is the way the U.S. Senate operates. Rand Paul, for example, can put a “hold” on a bill and block passage. He did that in October on a bill to extend cash assistance to 5,600 elderly and disabled refugees. The bill, supported by such diverse people as Sen. Shumer of New York and Sen. Sessions of Alabama, was opposed by Sen. Paul, and under Senate rules the bill could not go forward.
It was with some despair that I read that some of the “Occupy” groups had adopted a “consensus” procedure. Congressman John Lewis was prevented from speaking to the Occupy Atlanta group because one vegan objected. (Mr. Lewis, evidently, eats meat.)
I understand that the minority must have rights. I am a proud member of the American Civil Liberties Union, a group devoted to minority rights. Nevertheless, I don’t believe that a minority should dictate policy. That is a form of tyranny. It’s also stupid.
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