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IR+R NEWS - news about democratic reform, citizens' initiative,
referendum, recall of elected officials. A service of
Citizens' Initiative and Referendum I&R ~ GB
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IN THIS NEWSLETTER THERE ARE THREE ITEMS ::::::::::::::::::::

USA
Occupy movement has helped to mobilise direct democracy against food giant.
"... public opinion around the biotech industry’s contamination of our food supply and destruction of our environment has reached the tipping point. We’re fighting back. This November, in a food fight that will largely determine the future of what we eat and what we grow, Monsanto will face its greatest challenge to date: a statewide citizens’ ballot initiative that will give Californians the opportunity to vote for their right to know whether the food they buy is contaminated with GMOs*."  *genetically manipulated organisms

USA
Interplay of direct and indirect democracy to help tax the rich?
Millionaire's Tax On the Way in California? Backers Make Deal With Governor Brown
As progressive groups and unions make a deal to push for a tax increase on the rich coupled with a small sales tax hike, some wonder if they've compromised too much.

SWITZERLAND
Citizen democrats decide vital planning matter  (Contrast with weak and confusing "Localism Act" in England)
After months of anguished debate, the villagers voted in a referendum last week to stop a Canadian mining company prospecting for the estimated $1.2 billion worth of gold ore believed to be lie in seams beneath the surrounding snow-capped mountains. 

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I&R ~ GB Citizens' Initiative and Referendum
Campaign for direct democracy in Britain


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