U.S. Death Star Petition a Foretaste of 'Spamocracy' (News, Switzerland)

"These petitions serve as an example of what might flourish in a purely online democracy. While the opportunity to address legitimate political interests in a more cost-effective manner would of course be fantastic, the risk of 'Death Star' initiatives would become a regular nuisance. ... Online democracy has the same disadvantages as spam emails. Those who don't have to pay don't hesitate to make others pay. One might argue that democracy shouldn't cost anything. That's right. But inviting people to submit personally indulgent nonsense is not democracy."

By Patrik Etschmayer

Translated By Nathalie Klepper

January 30, 2013

News  Switzerland  Original Article (German)

Vice President Joe Biden: Should he have his own TV show? Should this be a topic for government agencies? RUSSIA TODAY VIDEO: Online petition urges Obama to build 'Death Star' Dec. 14, 00:02:03

Yes, it's official: The United States will not be building a Death Star in the style of the planet-crushing ball from Star Wars. This, despite the more than 34,000 signatures on a "We The People" petition platform submitted to the White House.

The request to start construction on a "DS-1 Orbital Battle Station" by 2016 was posted last November 14 by a certain "John D." of Longmont, Colorado. The request for the Death Star was based on the creation of jobs in construction, engineering and space exploration, as well as strengthening national defense.

As the U.S. government is obliged to offer its opinion whenever 25,000 signatures are submitted within a 30 day period (this has in meantime been raised to 100,000), it responded negatively in a statement on January 11.

The reasons were as conclusive as they were witty: "The construction of the Death Star has been estimated to cost more than $850,000,000,000,000,000. We're working hard to reduce the deficit, not expand it; The Administration does not support blowing up planets; Why would we spend countless taxpayer dollars on a Death Star with a fundamental flaw that can be exploited by a one-man starship?"

Although the entire issue is rather amusing, the platform, launched September 24, 2011, which allows U.S. citizens to petition the government, has had still other amusing, although somewhat less funny requests. One was that the U.S. states should not only have "state birds," "state flowers," and "state dinosaurs," but also a "state pokémon." This petition to give cartoon characters an official status is just as absurd as the one calling for a TV show starring Vice President Joe Biden.

Less funny are the numerous petitions in which enraged citizens appeal for the secession of their states from the United States, although the state itself has never really considered such a thing, and the federal government would be unable to realize this request even if it were to theoretically consider it.

Not only do these petitions - as opposed to those of sincere concern - make their way into the press, they also waste time and resources that could be put to more sensible use. And these "petition trolls" show that too much direct involvement can easily get out of hand.

"We The People" serves as an example of what might flourish in a purely online democracy. While the opportunity to address legitimate political interests in a more cost-effective manner would of course be fantastic, the risk of "Death Star" initiatives would become a regular nuisance. Christoph Blocher as president? Army uniforms made of domestic hemp? Highways with 140 mph zones? Extra-wide SUV parking spots in front of kindergartens? Raising the retirement age to 75? Or rather, lowering it to 50? Beni Turnheer as king of Switzerland? Reconnect the Valtellina to Switzerland?

Of course, most proposals would be eliminated early on because of constitutional contradictions, but efforts spent on filtering and the discussion surrounding them could seriously clog parliaments and courts.

Posted By Worldmeets.US

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