Hands up for democracy: if there is one thing the Swiss love it is democracy. So, voting in Switzerland is practised with all the serious enthusiasm of a Grateful Dead fan.[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For example, on Sundays the polls are more likely to be open than the stores. If you can collect 100,000 signatures in Switzerland a referendum will be held on the issue of your choice. And no one abuses this! Are there no counterculture coun·ter·cul·ture n. A culture, especially of young people, with values or lifestyles in opposition to those of the established culture. coun parties like the Yippies in Switzerland? Democracy even extends to the Swiss Monopoly board. Instead of having all the streets from just one city like in other countries, the Swiss version takes in streets from all the different linguistic regions. How fair is that! And how confusing con·fuse v. con·fused, con·fus·ing, con·fus·es v.tr. 1. a. To cause to be unable to think with clarity or act with intelligence or understanding; throw off. b. at the same time. You can go from Paradeplatz to Place St. Francois without ever leaving your front (or even half) room. Peculiarly enough, despite being such advocates of democracy, most Swiss women only got the vote about the time Michael Jackson Noun 1. Michael Jackson - United States singer who began singing with his four brothers and later became a highly successful star during the 1980s (born in 1958) Michael Joe Jackson, Jackson was the lead singer of the Jackson 5--not that these two points are related, you understand. In retaliation RETALIATION. The act by which a nation or individual treats another in the same manner that the latter has treated them. For example, if a nation should lay a very heavy tariff on American goods, the United States would be justified in return in laying heavy duties on the manufactures and for being denied the franchise for so long, Swiss women are striking back by trying to outlaw going to the toilet while standing up. It is believed this measure will only affect men, and it is being achieved by stealth stealth Any military technology intended to make vehicles or missiles nearly invisible to enemy radar or other electronic detection. Research in antidetection technology began soon after radar was invented. , as women know they are unlikely to win a referendum on the matter. Their main tools in this campaign are humourous bathroom drawings on the subject. Similar to smoking aboard aircraft, although not as well publicised Adj. 1. publicised - made known; especially made widely known publicized , an alarm will be activated activated a state of being more than usually active. In biological systems this is usually brought about by chemical or electrical means. Commonly said of pharmaceutical and chemical products. and you will be in serious trouble if you ignore the warnings. Take it outside Cantons Appenzell and Glarus like to combine democracy with the open air. Their outdoor public vote by a show of hands a raising of hands to indicate judgment; as, the vote was taken by a show of hands. See also: Show is known as the Landsgemeinde. Surely this system is open to abuse--as well as being a pickpocket's delight. What if in the middle of the throng you raised both your arms and doubled your vote? A series of well-timed tickles by a gang of committed anarchists could gravely interfere with the democratic process. The Swiss are so democratic there's even a party for those who don't have a party (true), and everyone elected to the parliament in Bern gets to be president for at least four days under their revolving system (sort of true). A final thought: Swiss politicians work hard. Could this be related to the fact there is an open bear pit not far from the parliament? Surely not! Check out Switzerland's democracy at work: Appenzell's Landsgemeinde is scheduled for April 27 in the town's main square; Glarus will hold their annual vote on May 4 at 9:30. |
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