Comments on: Direct Democracy in Athens, ancient and modern

By: constantinakatsari

constantinakatsari — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:06:42 +0000

The Romans appointed dictators in time of crisis. You are right about the exclusive character of direct democracy, though.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:47:15 +0000

Did not Ancient Democratic Athens not appoint dictators at times of crisis ?. “Direct Democracy, according to the ancient Athenian model” did not mean votes for all. In ancient Athens you had to earn the right to vote either by been wealthy or by earning citizen ship in wars or by service to the state & of course no woman. ?

By: constantinakatsari

constantinakatsari — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 06:26:46 +0000

Even more amazing is the structure of the Assembly. They seem to be facing the usual problems of a crowd that does not belong in one political party, e.g. Diversity of ideas and aims. The solution is to treat everyone equally. The speakers are chosen by lot! (Does it remind you of something). Also the listeners are not alowed to approve or disapprove loudly. I am keeping track of this extraordinary political experiment for future research reference!

By: Penny Goodman

Penny Goodman — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:38:43 +0000

Thanks for reporting on this. I knew nothing about it until I saw your tweets yesterday, presumably because of the absence of media coverage. Obviously direct democracy isn’t really a long-term solution for a modern nation with a population of the size that Greece has, but this is a great example of how it can work successfully in a small and highly-engaged group. I take my hat off to these protesters for making it work so successfully for them, and for providing a functioning alternative model for comparison with the state parliament – not to mention one with such patriotic resonance! I really hope that their actions lead to at least some improvement in the official democratic process in Greece.

By: Noula Karatzoglou

Noula Karatzoglou — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:03:26 +0000

It is amazing how people reacted to the policy of the governement and the impudence of the members of the parliament. It is very true that the gathering of the people was spotaneous and peaceful. Children, teenagers, adults and pensioners demonstrated that the only thing left is their decency. However, it is not true that there was nothing on TV about it. In most of the channels the event was mentioned, described and intepreted. It should be noted that lots of people have camped in Syntagma square, declaring that they would not leave until the demands will be satisfied. And something else. These kind of gatherings did not only took place in Athens but also in Thessaloniki and other Greek cities and towns.