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In every protest in WA since 1829, and again on Heirisson Island, police managed to move protesters on. So why do we need these terrible laws? Photo: Steve Holland

Our country is undergoing deep changes that frighten the hell out of me.

I am frightened because two of the very important principles woven into our systems of government and justice are being deliberately degraded.

The presumption of innocence and our government being answerable to the people are both fundamental building blocks of our democracy and they are being undermined from within.

Since the inception of Westminster style democracy both these important principles have stood the test of time but they will be seriously damaged if the Barnett Government's proposed anti protesting laws are passed and enacted.

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In Parliamentary debates so far, much has been said about restricting public protests, and I share those concerns; but that is not the real evil of this proposed law.

The real evil is the reversal of the onus of proof - or to put it another way you can be considered guilty unless you can prove you are innocent.

There is nothing in the proposed law that restricts its application to protests in the South West where they are aimed, so once passed, the laws apply across the state.

The Government says the target is picketing and protesting which are activities that, until now, have been legitimate civil actions that can, and have, changed our society.

More here:
New protest laws a blow to democracy and decency

The panel chair, who is also a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC), said she hoped the public forums would give rise to "organic democracy", one that is "non-toxic" for Thailand.

With a "toxic democracy", she said, a country faces problems, conflict and disputes, but with an "organic" one, the country does not get hit with toxicity because its democracy is strong enough to survive.

"Democracy also needs immunity, and its best immune system is the people," she said. "Listening to people's opinions can lead to better democracy in Thailand."

Her committee has held seven forums in different provinces since January to gather proposals from the public. She said the main topic in them was "uniting people's power for national reform", and the people's biggest wish was that the country give birth to better politicians and a better system. She added that the biggest concern was corruption, and many said they wanted it eradicated efficiently.

One method suggested was to set up a people's assembly that can scrutinise politicians, as well as give the public a better chance to participate in their country's administration.

Thawilwadee said that after closely studying people's proposals, the charter drafters decided to set up a new body to strengthen the public's role. She said the CDC has also inserted a clause to boost civil rights, which was also proposed.

On the topic of "good politicians", people suggested that politicians undergo lessons on morality and ethics, as well as introduce themselves to potential voters several months before becoming candidates. Knowing a politician beforehand would help voters make the right choice, they reasoned.

Thawilwadee said the enthusiasm that people displayed when participating in each forum showed the public wants to play a part in national reform, rather than being presented with set ideas from the authorities.

"Some people even presented a report of their proposals," the chairperson said.

When asked if holding forums in red-shirt strongholds complicated matters, she cited Udon Thani, where she said people realised that they were seen as being in opposition to the military government, but they said they wanted reconciliation to be promoted. She said strong red-shirt supporters also offered ideas on reducing inequality.

Originally posted here:
Public participation will help create strong organic democracy

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