Even though we are not registered voters on the Maine island where we spend summers, we attend its Town Meeting, in part to see hoe democracy works in such a setting. This year’s “warrant” included a controversial and expensive item, challenged by several voters. As one voter after another spoke up, the rationale for this item became clearer and clearer. At last its lead opponent rose again, this time to withdraw his objection. The item then passed, unanimously.
Before moving on to the next item on the agenda the Moderator remarked, “This is a nearly perfect form of government. People speak up; facts become clear; people listen and sometimes change their minds.”
He’s right, I think, though I came away convinced that democracy is not so much a form of government as a habit of mind, slow to form, easily unlearned, but precious and life-giving.