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‘The Political Summit’ Your editorial of Jan. 2, “The Political Summit,” is a crisp and lucid statement that reveals a deep understanding of democracy. I particularly appreciated your writer’s understanding that for a democracy, “politics” should not be a dirty word. Indeed, often what is needed, as you say, is “more politics,” not less, but “of a higher sort.” In his book, Direct Democracy in Switzerland, Gregory Fossedal explains similar truths. Perhaps, in addition to the truths noted by your editorialist regarding elite politicians, the Philippines could use an injection of “people power” through greater use of direct voting through ballot referenda and popular initiatives. Certainly, if “the people” are the source of power and authority in a democracy, “more politics” that refers to them could be of use. The more so at this critical time when, like other countries at war or in a quasi-war with terrorists, a consensus is needed. But a real, considered consensus, one that is not apolitical, but, indeed, consciously political. In any case, as president of the Alexis de Tocqueville Institution, I wanted to commend you for your comments. In our humble opinion, that editorial should be made available internationally. KENNETH BROWN
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