We have representative government to examine the complexities of managing an enterprise serving millions of people. Direct voting on specific policy questions--like how to fund a transportation project connected to the rest of the continent--presumes voters have time to weigh those complexities. Direct democracy worked in Athens 2500 years ago. It works (we suppose) in tiny towns in New Hampshire. In Oregon and Washington and the United States? No.
Let everyone vote. I love Oregon for having no tolls. I've never spoken to anyone who wants tolls in Oregon. I understand that funding new bridges and construction is hard. That doesn't mean you move against the will of the people. I believe the vast vast majority of Oregonians detest tolls and let us have a say. If I'm wrong then that's democracy. I'll accept the vote but I won't accept politicians ramming an easy horrible solution down our throats.
We have representative government to examine the complexities of managing an enterprise serving millions of people. Direct voting on specific policy questions--like how to fund a transportation project connected to the rest of the continent--presumes voters have time to weigh those complexities. Direct democracy worked in Athens 2500 years ago. It works (we suppose) in tiny towns in New Hampshire. In Oregon and Washington and the United States? No.
Let everyone vote. I love Oregon for having no tolls. I've never spoken to anyone who wants tolls in Oregon. I understand that funding new bridges and construction is hard. That doesn't mean you move against the will of the people. I believe the vast vast majority of Oregonians detest tolls and let us have a say. If I'm wrong then that's democracy. I'll accept the vote but I won't accept politicians ramming an easy horrible solution down our throats.