Representative Democracy and the Profession

the term refers in an abstract way to a process or institution under which government openly solicits, preserves, and fosters information about its citizens' interests. At the heart of a typical democratic government lies a chamber of representatives that decides issues by vote. We must not confuse democracy with ochlocracy--or mob rule--the nightmare outcome likely to occur if those who advocate using the marvels of digital technology to give everyone voting rights on every issue have their way. Anyone who doubts the hideous dangers of this approach should read Naomi Klein's description in No Logo (Flamingo Press, London, 2000; see also http://nologo.org/publication. shtml) of how effectively branding can influence public attitudes. In an online ochlocracy, branding would be a superb technique for enabling special interest groups to become mobsters. Economocracy lies near the end of the political spectrum opposite ochlocracy, and is alleged by many to be the creed of Austral...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: COMPUTER
• Authors: W. Neville Holmes
• Keywords: COMPUTER 2002, Labor Party, Liberal Party, Typical Democratic Government