A Late-breaking Appeal from the Radical Democrats

Kaci (a Radical Democrat) writes:
Athenians, we’ve gathered today to make a decision on something that could change our lives forever. What are we to do about our government and the way we run our great city? Well, the Radical Democrats have an answer to your questions.

We have been founded on Democracy, yes? Then why should we turn from it now? Cleisthenese taught us about Democracy and we have learned that it is a system we can count on in times of need. Our system works just the way it is now. Random lottery is what will help us, as citizens of Athens, to be equally represented in our discussions. If we were to elect a single individual, or even only a portion of our population, not all of our citizens would have their voices be heard. That’s what Democracy is all about. We need to stick with this system.

The opposition states that the lottery provides the opportunity for the officials to be incompetent. However, we should trust the individuals who put their name in the lottery to know their own strengths and weaknesses. Even so, if it should happen that an official is incompetent, the citizens of Athens can deal with that incompetence in a manner that will help move the Assembly forward. This could be a vote to select a new official by lottery, or something else equally as applicable. The lottery is an invaluable system that we use to ensure that our decisions are made on equal grounds. We must continue to take advantage of this system.

Concerning the matter of voters’ rights, the Radical Democrats would like to propose to you that we allow everyone to vote. The Metics and Slaves helped us in our time of great need, and we believe that they should be rewarded. Let us give them the rights they deserve by awarding them their right to vote. This way, we can unite our entire population as one great people. We will be stronger than ever before.

Our opponents say that asking everyone to vote would take the workers away from their duties. However, voting is a choice, not a requirement. If the farmers and laborers don’t want to or can’t come to the Assembly due to their duties at home, then they won’t have to vote. But the simple fact that they would be allowed to is the important part of this issue. These workers may have the time to come and represent one another, maybe not all of them, but at least some. Giving them the opportunity is what will keep our city’s decisions equally discussed.

My fellow Athenians, listen to what the Radical Democrats have to say. Our city is worth striving for, and this is the way to keep it thriving. I would have our great city grow, and if we implement Democracy and equality into our governmental system, our society will flourish.

How Should We Elect Government Officials? Who Should Have the Right to Vote?

Below you will find written arguments forwarded by representatives of the Socratic faction, the Moderate Democrats, and the Oligarchs. Shortly before sundown on the eve of our Assembly, no arguments have been received from the Radical Democrats (Tacey and Brad are scheduled to weigh on questions relevant to the Government Agency and the Electorate).

Patrick (an Oligarch) writes:  I’m in favor of limiting the electorate. We do not need another tyrant to rule. We should move past that and never look back. We should select our leaders by merit rather than by lottery. We propose to limit the vote in the assembly to those who have demonstrated personal merit and competence. People should be chosen by their own substantial estates or at a minimum, those who have served as hoplites and knights or possessed equivalent wealth. People have many duties besides going to assemblies like farmers. During the war, landowners paid the most and highest taxes. The richest citizens had to build and maintain triremes. It was an honor, but it was an expensive obligation. The metics were not the only ones who helped during the war. We helped with the ships and the money to build them. The state revenue went to pay for the rowers. If we keep choosing by a lottery, some people will lose their land and won’t have people to tend their farmland. We have to think what is best for Athens. We force the poor to choose between duty and their family. If they come to the meetings then nobody is watching their farm, therefore, their productivity decreases and their families starve. The assemblies should be filled with people who can make time and hard decisions. It only makes sense to limit the electorate to those who can focus on Athens problems. This allows farmers and other laborers to fulfill their vital duties.

Katelyn (a Socratic) writes:
Today, we all come together and unite as “One”, for this common cause Athenians, however as individuals we are all very diverse. I see farmers, potters, fishermen, even blacksmiths throughout this gathering. How many amongst us claim to be an expert in politics, the matters of war, or what is best for our economy? Very few of us can. That is why we have chosen the lives we live under our chosen works.

So in this discussion, I propose that we allow each specific craft to be carried out by those who are best fit for that task. We wouldn’t ask a farmer to forge a sword. That handiwork is left to the skills of the blacksmith. On the same side, it’d be like telling that blacksmith to grow the food you eat daily. It’s not his profession, nor does he probably have the proper knowledge to perform the task correctly. We rely on the farmers to carry out their expertise in that area, and depend on them to do it properly.

By having everyone participate in these assemblies, is having you be pulled away from your work and those closest to you. Thereby forcing you to choose between your duty to Athens, and the duty to your families and your trade. In the end, each one of us will be forced to choose one. Wouldn’t you agree that it’s in every Athenians best interest to have a knowledgeable Electorate who can focus on the issues and circumstances of our great city consistently and constantly, and allow the rest to fulfill our crucial duties full-time?

We are not seeking the exceptional happiness of any one group, but of the city as a whole. We all make up Athens. Without one group of us skillfully fulfilling our professions, we may not be the city-state we have been, will be, and are today. Each one of us is vital to our success and survival. That is why a governing council would keep the welfare of you, their fellow Athenians, in check. It wouldn’t be in their best interest to turn their backs on you, because you are the legs they stand on.

This is the proposed change we from the Socratic faction wish to make. Think very hard on how you want to spend your time here. Is it by being half-heartedly devoted to a multitude of responsibilities? Or by committing your days to what you are best at, and spending it with those you care the most about?

Becky (a Moderate Democrat) writes:

We pride ourselves on being democratic. But do we understand what that means? Governed by the people, exercised by the people. The Oligarchs are purposing that the assembly be taken over by elected represenatives. What is democtratic about that? The only time we need a committe is when an issue can't be resolved within the assembly. We, the moderate democratics, want everyone to be heard. We don't want any of our citizens to be silenced because they don't have the most money or wern't blessed with good looks. We want the assembly to stay just as it is now. The represenatives are chosen by lot. All Athenians will have an equal shot.

We also want to declare that we feel it is our Athenian right to vote. No matter who we are or how much money we have. The Athenian government doesn't have us fill out an application to serve in the army, to defend this land of ours. If our duty is to serve our country then that is what we will do. Now why isn't the same respect being returned to the citizen of Athens? Why are there regulations on who can vote? If all men are able to serve in the army, then all men should be allowed to vote.

Owning land is also requirment to vote. For most men this becomes a very difficult task. As our fellow Athenian brothers go off to war to fight for Athens, they in turn leave their homes, jobs, and family. While they are away, the wives are left to fend for themselves and the debt keeps accumilating. When these veterans come home they are not greeted with a healthy home, but instead a starving family. So to help our veteren brothers we, moderate democrats, feel it is only right to pay them to attend the assembly. This will help their families get back on thier feet & also help Athens return to the strong city it once was.

A Late-breaking Appeal from the Moderate Democrats

To my dear fellow citizens of this great nation of Athens:

Our great land has allowed for us as a people to gain things that our forefathers would have never imagined would be had by the citizens of Athens. With our government of democracy here, each Athenian can have whatever he wants, as long as he will work for it. Our land is one of many riches, and all can prosper if they are willing. And despite all of this, look where we stand today. Recently debilitated by the Spartans, no territories under our control anymore, the trireme no longer usable by us, and a very large portion of our population gone to the River Styx. Some of the more begrudging here would suggest we seek out the 30; no! Why, with all of these other problems, would we expend efforts and resources on a revenge quest, when instead, we should be focused on rebuilding our empire?! I propose a new law as thus: No longer will anyone be allowed to mention the 30 or their sympathizers, from this day forth, which will cause us to ultimately forget about them. This will allow us to focus more clearly on the real issues at hand. There are too many vastly important things to take care of for us to be meddling in the affairs of children.

(John, a Moderate Democrat)

Reconciliation?

Below you will find written arguments forwarded by representatives of the Socratic faction, the Radical Democrats, and the Oligarchs. Shortly before sundown on the eve of our Assembly, no arguments have been received from the Moderate Democrats, but we have been told that a courier will deliver them soon.

A Member of the Socratic Faction (Kyla) writes in favor of a Reconciliation Agreement:

The Reconciliation Agreement would  pardon those who may have assisted the Thirty Tyrants. This Agreement would also forbid Athenians from filing lawsuits or even bringing up the “past wrongs” of the ones who supported the Thirty Tyrants or encouraged their cause.

Let us be wise and realize it is not right to act out of anger.

See You at the Pnyx

Pig Sacrifice (ca. 510-500 BCE)

Tuesday, October 18:
Herald: Colt (Metic)
President: Robert (Moderate Democrat)
Initial Debate: The Reconciliation Agreement

Replacement Herald (for this and subsequent assemblies): John (Moderate Democrat)
Replacement President (for this and subsequent assemblies): Sara (Oligarch)

Tuesday, October 25th
Herald: Ebonee (Radical Democrat)
President: Tyler (Radical Democrat)
Initial Debate: The Electorate and Government Agency

Thursday, October 27th
Herald: Sara (Oligarch)
President: Brad (Radical Democrat)
Initial Debate: Education and Social Welfare

Tuesday, November 1st
Herald: Sunil (Socratic)
President: Anya (Moderate Democrat)
Initial Debate: Trial of Socrates

Engaging The Republic

Click here to access excellent summaries and commentary of Plato's Republic.

The Peloponnesian War: 431-404 BC