Great article on direct democracy, town meetings

[JDPriestly]

and, oh, yes, Vermont. (I did not write it. I found it when checking a link for another post on DU.)

"I've lived in Vermont for just 8 years, and though I never want to leave, I know I will always be what Vermonters call a tourist.

. . . .

Because Vermont is the sanest, most sensible place I've ever lived.
If my neighbors like it, then it's all right with me.
I don't mind paying taxes for it, either.
I realize this makes me sort of un-American today.
I do not feel put-upon, overtaxed or cheated, and I'm not angry at anyone..
. . . .

http://www.courthousenews.com/home/editorials.aspx

Instead of shutting up the gadflies in city council meetings, instead of throwing out groups that want to hold a town meeting on their own and invite everyone to come and say their piece, we should be returning to what made America great in the first place -- citizen-owned, not corporate-owned government.

I think this article is really well written. I've never lived in Vermont, but I had the feeling that it was describing the America I grew up in and have always loved.

It's a delightful read and can't be captured in just a couple of paragraphs.