Beathan wrote:What concerns me is that the CSDF, at least as represented by Jon, appears more interested in increasing and consolidating its own power, rather than trying to create a balanced system that works well, while protecting dissenter's rights and citizen rights, regardless of which party is in power. The SP is not about power grabbing. We are about creating the best possible system -- which we believe to generally be the simplest workable and safe system.
I am getting accused in various threads in the forum of somehow being power greedy, resisting all change etc. Its pretty crazy imagination from people who barely know me. I don't have any formal role in the CDS, but I have at times worked very very hard for the CDS.
Now, the bills that we have passed in the RA are often the result of compromises, and when I was in the RA I did represent my faction's decisions to the best of my ability. Nevertheless I keep my own consul on issues.
The people who think I always speak for the CSDF have not been to our meetings (where I am often supporting some controversial position and getting overruled by someone with a much better idea). But the CDSF is truly a democratic party in every sense. I am very proud of it and its accomplishments.
But I guess, since I expect to have no influence whatsoever, and as one of CDS's current scapegoats (see Beathan's description of me above), and scheduled to be burnt at the stake, I might as well tell people what I really think we should do. The following is based on what I have learned from the Cedar Island project.
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A new model for the CDS government, a sketch. (Basically a town meeting organization..)
1. The RA's function would change
The RA would become more of an executive committee, and replace the current executive. The LRA would fill the current role of Chancellor, and individual RA members would have particular portfolios, or areas of responsibility, for example minister of sim maintenance, culture, foreign affairs, etc.
The RA would be able to pass regulations, but these would remain in force only for six months without the community meeting's approval.
2. Community Meeting
The Community Meeting would meet every two months. Any citizen who had been here for some period of time (I recommend several months to protect us from take-over etc.) would be a full member.
The Community Meeting would be the only body allowed to pass laws or make changes in the constitution. Changing the constitution would require 4/5ths of the members.
One of the key responsibilities of the CM would be to work with the New Guild to create plans for the long-term development of the CDS. I am increasingly getting the idea that doing so on a sim-by-sim basis is a really bad idea.
The Community Meeting would be able to approve or strike down regulations passed by the RA.
3. Committees
The Community Meeting would appoint committees to work on particular issues. Somewhat similar to the Commissions today. However, the Community Meeting would make the final decision would be in no way obligated to implement the committee's recommendations.
4. The SC
Actually this is one area where I would make few changes, except to require members to be re-confirmed in their appointments annually.
5. Scale
The structure I have outlined does not scale infinitely, but should work fine for fewer than 200 citizens. I recommend we have an expansion clause that causes us to divide into two regional groups when we exceed 200.
