Digital, electronic, computer, the internet, your television, the radio, newspaper, magazine, CD, MP3 and that Sunday lunch family dinner.
All components in the greatest tool devised by human kind to build the world we were meant to live in. Digital technology is no freak of brilliance, it is one more chapter in the story of our aspiration toward a more democratic world.
Ever since our ancestors left the village we've attempted to re-instate the forum for discussion and decision making. As communities grew we've used whatever technology was at hand to try and stay in touch with the issues. It is only now that we've finally evolved a technology that is both quick enough and cheap enough to allow for the mass distribution of information and to analyse our response.
Our digital communications and computing technologies make it possible to run the institutions of society in real time with interaction between all those who must live with the consequences.
If you don't believe me I ask you to consider for just one blinding minute the unfettered and entirely secure "democratic" life of your money. It can be sent to any corner of the globe for any purpose, on a whim or with considered intent. It might just as easily be withdrawn, lost or turn a profit and whatever the outcome you'll be that little more knowledgable. Through all you trust that these institutions are honest and secure. All this with little more than a piece of plastic, some magnetic strip and four digits for protection.
Is it not possible to imagine that this technology can be used to interpret the will of the people when it comes to the decisions that affect us all ?
It is as simple as adding another account to the existing one down at the bank, only this one registers the imprint of thought and decision. A vote account.
Life would continue much as it does today, the public service providing public services, private industry succeeding and failing to do the same things better and all of it affecting us or someone we know.
Parliament has been replaced by a ministry that oversees the ongoing series of polls required to make decision at every level in society. Information on polling matters flows back and forth through the existing commercial channels and we as voters would have one conduit all our own, the national and public broadcaster, answerable to no-one other than a populace that votes.
The constitution guarantees no laws other than the right to choose and that a majority of any poll carries the vote. Freedom of expression and information would be guaranteed through vigilance and respect . I assume that a judicial system and police force would serve to prosecute those who break laws.
On a daily basis this world is not so different from the one we live in today, other than it's digital and that whatever you think could mean something. Better still you can do something about it. any time, every time