There’s always someone who takes a quick glance at an idea and immediately feels ready to issue a verdict. But the very fact that you’re ready to judge after a single glance should raise a red flag — at least for yourself.

Let’s clarify one thing first:
Direct democracy is not about election day.
It’s about the time between elections — when decisions are made, promises are broken, and the real power games begin.

And then, the same two arguments always show up.

1. “Not everyone has internet access.”

The irony? This argument is usually posted by people who are already online. In most developed countries, a majority of the voting-age population uses the internet regularly — not just on desktops, but via mobile data on smartphones and tablets. Accessibility isn’t perfect, but it’s no longer a valid excuse to block participation.

2. “People are too stupid to vote.”

Funny how the ones saying this never include themselves. Everyone thinks others are the fools. And yet, nearly all of us have been called idiots at some point in life.

People love to cite dramatic scenes: shoppers trampling each other for discounted TVs, or acting irrationally during public events. But these are exceptions, amplified by the media. It’s convenient to label society as foolish — it keeps power concentrated and excuses bad decisions at the top.

If we think the average person is too stupid to vote, shouldn’t we question the logic of representative democracy too? After all, those same “stupid people” are the ones electing representatives.

And here’s the twist:
In representative systems, we deal with both ignorance and corruption.
In direct democracy, we may still face ignorance, but at least we cut out the middlemen with their hidden agendas.

A population locked in a cage will remain ignorant. A free population, making its own choices, will make mistakes — but it will also learn. The impact of those mistakes will be direct, personal, and educational.

So maybe the real fear isn’t stupidity.
Maybe the real fear is what happens when people stop being passive — and start thinking for themselves.