The state of our city is evidence enough of the short comings of our current democracy. We must institute order and stability to the to our city in order to gain the wealth and prosperity we once had. This prosperity rests as of now on our ability to rebuild our economy with little to no naval power. Athenians we are at the mercy of our neighbors until we are strong enough to stand again. How do we do this one asks? Taxation and political reform. A combination of tax reform and democratic reforms could not only rebuild our city, but ensure we do not suffer through another terrible decade of strife.
I propose an electorate based on taxation. If one desires to live in Athens he may, but if he desires to participate in rule of governance let him earn it. Those of us who have lived here and trace our descent here are exempt for one year from the taxes. After that we will pay according on our land holdings or equal holdings in other property. If one wishes to play in active role in our democracy I say let him prove his worth to our democracy! What good is a huge assembly of poor oarsman, unwelcome foreign refugees, and freed slaves? How will they make our state stronger? Will a mob of new poor make our city more just? Will they have our interest at heart or their own? Will they make Athens the greatest state we know her to be ?!I think not.
I recognize that some of the people who are not allowed to vote fought and died for Athens. Medics and foreigners alike died protecting and serving our fair city. We owe a debt of gratitude that should warrant a one year exemption from taxation for these individuals as well. This group accounted, the majority of these medics and foreigners provide little for the city. If they do let them give their taxes to gain a voice. No man can argue that if one has land and property of considerable amount he would be less beneficial to the state then a penniless beggar. Wealth and democracy is here to claim for any man Athenian or otherwise. Hesiod tells us “If work brings you wealth…glory and excellence follows”(Works and Days ln.313-315) This is true my fellow Athenians let us prove ourselves to each other in our assembly, everyman in the Aegean, and to the Gods themselves! Live and thrive on the land, pay for the needs of the city, for if one can do this one should rule.
Another issue must be addressed in relation to this debate. Democracy is prone to the rise of the orator. The use their golden tongues to convince men what they would normally never consider. He can carouse and pander to gain what he desires. Sometimes the orator can take the power for himself, or sometimes he can convince good men to do the unwise. This cannot be prohibited in a democracy I am afraid. What we can do is ensure the assembly is made up of men with much to lose. A man with property, family and friends, and a good life will consider long and hard before mindlessly voting. This is why we must ensure an electorate of men who will vote for what is best for the city not what is best for the orator. I plead that we institute an electorate based on ability to pay taxation.
I will restate my proposal:
1. Athenians that participate in the elected assembly must pay taxation according to land or property ownership of a specific amount.
2. Native Athenians and those who fought for the city in recent conflict are exempt from one years taxation.
3. Any man may join the Athenian assembly provided he can pay the specified taxation.
A weak and frivolous assembly led by demagogues, or an assembly of productive and just Athenians. The choice is yours.