We seek democracy: government by the people.
A dictator has no problem agreeing to comply totally with the will of the people, provided he is allowed to decide what that will shall be. How well a “democracy” works depends very much on what people know and believe, and on how well equipped they are to make rational decisions on the basis of that.
The information processes within a democracy are thus of fundamental and all-pervasive importance.
Including:
- the media
- press: The urgent need to establish a free press (original). ᴥ
- Internet
- BBC ../c3 needs to be outside control of HMG — see AMb-07
- preachers
- religions
- political parties
- advertising
- the education system (very rough notes);
- framing (words); The need for care in the choice of words used in political discussion. In particular inappropriate reference to the “taxpayer” and acceptance of the myth of austerity.
- disinformation
- We need to ⨳dramatically reduce lying in all aspects of British politics
- slander, etc — financial, political and personal cost of contesting
- parliamentary privilege OK. But even when broadcast?
- Perhaps we need a Ministry of Truth (TBD) !?
- boundaries (unthinkable thoughts, unquestionable beliefs, unstated assumptions, etc).