Greetings,
As we begin 2012 and look back over 2011, there is much that was accomplished. In 2012 we have plans to continue to follow elections, follow the campaign cycle and to impact policy to improve our quality of life in our communities, our nation and within our 21st century global society. The Nevada 2011 redistricting process was interesting and exciting. The Las Vegas Valley League's voice was loud and clear so as we participated in the judicial process to set 2011 voting districts and to
ensure that for the next ten years Nevada's districts are proportional, contiguous and fair. It continues to be a League mission to inform voters so that they actively participate in government.
The League of Women Voters of Nevada has clearly stated positions ( see. web site to review) When developing our positions we conduct studies. One 2011 study conducted by local leagues reviewed the role of the federal government in education. In 2012, there is an ongoing study looking at the "Scope of Privatization."
The purpose of the privatization study is to identify those parameters and policy issues to be considered in connection with proposals to transfer federal, state and local government services and /or functions to the private sector. The study will review the stated goal and the community impact of such transfers, and identify strategies to ensure transparency,accountability, and the preservation of the common good and quality of life issues.
Policy and process are built into our governmental structure which was in large designed by James Madison resulting in a concept of federalism, three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial, and a structure which included checks and balances. since power was not completely separate. We owe much to James Mansion, a man of his time and a man who understood human nature. Madison said, " ambition must be made to counteract ambition-- if men were angels, no government would be necessary...... the great difficulty lies in this:you must first enable the government to control the governed;.. and then in the next place oblige it to control itself "
In 2011 all levels of government had the power to govern, yet often lacked the political will to control itself. Madison feared factions (parties ) both majority and minority. In 2011 ,our two party system was often unable to achieve balance and much was left undone. In 2012 we have the full force of the campaign cycle, so ambition will also impact balance. Many of Madison's concerns are timeless. Madison's thoughts fit into his world and into our 21st century world.
As with any organization, including governments, terms and clarity are linchpins to understanding operations. Our government is a democracy. Our present day factions are political organizations.
The word democracy was a relatively new concept in Madison's world . Today Democracy can be overused and takes place among terms such as freedom, justice and peace. For clarity, in regards to the League, democracy is a political system in which citizen participation is critical and invoked through an individual exercising the right to vote.
As Humpty Dumpty said , " When I make a word do a lot of work, I pay extra." League has a mission to support democracy in the context of " government by the people. " and we all need to pay extra by working to support our system of government.
The American system of government has developed into a two parry system with some historic third parties to spice things up. Madison warned us about factions, however factions are now part of the system beginning in Madison's time with the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
The American Revolution itself in comparison to the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution was conservative. The American Colonists wanted to restore their rights inalienable rights and to restore economic stability.
Terms such as "conservative " and "liberal" are two other words doing a great deal of work today and for that Americans pay extra.as we struggle in these uncharted economic times to maintain our rights as Americans and to secure our hopes for economic, social and political stability continuing the movement of the original colonists in 2012.
Viva la Revolution
Warmest Regards,
Sam King ,LWVNV Grassroots Lobbyist aka Advocate.
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