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Direct democracy. As a concept, it seems to be something that nearly everyone should embrace. Who could argue with the idea of citizens having a say about issues that affect their lives? Indeed, if that were the true motive of those who advoâ€" cate direct democracy, I would be the first in line to support them. Unfortunately, closer examination shows that direct democracy is easily manipulated for AN[ political ends. Moreover, some of the biggest advocates of direct ‘ democracy aren‘t very good at pracâ€" tising what they preach. s The most vociferous proponent of direct democracy is the Canadian x Taxpayers Federation, a group that I i researched for an article which $ appeared in the July issue of This 3 Magazine. The CTF is behind the R growing trend toward soâ€"called taxâ€" payer protection in provinces across Canada (its coming soon to Ontario). This legislation requires governments to call a referendum before raising The first post office here was opened in 1831 in Daniel Snyder‘s store that was located where the Eldon Gallery is now. In 1862, the post office was moved to the Devittâ€"Snyder block and a new building was erected at that time on the corner of King and Erb Streets. In later years, this structure was owned by Equitable Life and was immediâ€" ately behind the Bank of Montreal. During the 1870s, the post office was transferred to an empty store on the northwest corner of the main interâ€" Despite appearances, this type of legislation is fundamentally antiâ€"democratic. Since few people would ever vote for a tax increase, the law would force governments to slash vital services as real government revenues shrunk. Of course, no one on the far right would think to insist on a referâ€" endum before services could be cut. It‘s a contraâ€" diction that exposes the true agenda of the direct democracy folks: they want government to have fewer resources so that it will be unable to play an effective role in society. Direct democracy is only a means to an end. _ As for the CTF, its own democratic credentials are somewhat suspect. Its members pay a $55 annual fee (up to half of which goes to the comâ€" missioned salespeople that recruit them). In return, they get: * no role in setting the amount of the memâ€" bership fee (shouldn‘t there be a vote on that?) 1 was very interested in the article published in the business section of the Chronicle of Oct. 4, 1995 and written by Peter Cudhea, not because another restaurant was opening in an already satâ€" urated market but because of some incorrect herâ€" itage information. This beautiful threeâ€"storey Post Office building was indeed erected in 1912 on the corner of King and Duke (now Dupont) Streets but it was not the first post office to serve the community. Indeed, there were four previous post office sites _ In 1893, Christian Kumpf, who had been postâ€" master since 1862, constructed the building where Canada Trust is now located and moved * no role in electing the Board of Directors (which is appointed) _ 80 LETTERS$ Nice, but not the first COMMENT Direct democracy is no cureâ€"all \ ! i V wl / Scott Piatkowski Anoturr VIEW Of course, they do receive a biâ€"monthly newsletter but that‘s a lot of money for a magaâ€" zine subscription. CTF Executive Director Jason Kenney points to annual membership surveys that "guide" polâ€" icy decisions but admits that the surveys are "not scientific‘". A I‘HER question on the GST for examâ€" ple, is accompanied by a IEw lengthy preamble about the inherent faimess of consumpâ€" tion taxes "because they tax only the portion of earnings that people choose to spend". Not surprisingly, 70 per cent of respondents agreed, allowing j the Federation to justify abanâ€" J doning its oneâ€"time opposition to the tax. Another issue of the newsletâ€" ter: the CTF pays tribute to Max Radiff, the former mayor Lindsay, who was defeated at the polls in December 1994. "The first steps towards creating a live model of direct demnocracy in Ontario came to a disappointing end on November 14," mourns the newsletter. "The town of Lindsay lost a forwardâ€"looking mayor when Max Radiffe was defeated at the polls." Apparently the people are always right â€" except when they reject the CTFs assessment of politicians. ‘ Two recent examples show how open to abuse direct democracy can be. In Waterloo, voters were asked to comment on the size of City Council in a referendum last fall. In the absence The secondary headline, "Restaurant Owner Restores Old Post Office to Original Glory" is somewhat misleading. Maroof and Giguere have done nothing to restore the exterior of the buildâ€" ing. In 1989â€"90, Mortice Kern Systems Inc., ownâ€" ers at that time, with help from the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, restored the exterior, including the clock tower, to its original impressive state. The building was designated by Waterloo LACAC in 1991 as a structure of historic and architectural significance. The recent installation of white neon signage to the exterior has not contributed to this significance. The interior has been tastefully redone as a restaurant. The beautiful threeâ€"storey staircase has been retained. It is believed that the brick work, currently exposed, was always covered with plaster and painted. The lovely hardwood floor, salvaged from the Globe Furniture buildâ€" ing, adds another heritage feature to a structure of public debate and with little information on which to base a decision, the result (a clear majority voted to reduce the number of wards) was meaningless. In Quebec, the sovereignists have tried to obscure their real intention with a vaguelyâ€"worded question. In this case, there is no shortage of public debate but the continuing abilâ€" ity to affect the outcome of a referendum by manipulating the question raises serious quesâ€" tions about the usefulness of direct democracy. the post office there. It was from here that the post office moved to the new building in 1912 (the fifth site). years as an important symbol of their downtown. * little role in determining CTF policies Call or visit today! 6 Our Hands | _ purchase . | 1 _ of a dozen _ ! 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