If you haven't been exposed to this Scott Norvell article about the latest BBC flap, you really should read it. Seems the Beeb, as an "exercise in grass-roots democracy", asked it's Today show listeners to propose laws, promising the winner would be brought before Parliament by Labor MP Stephen Pound.

Imagine the shock and horror when the winner was a bill allowing citizens to use "any means necessary" to defend their property from criminals! (A right to self-defense? Horreurs!)

(For those of you unaware of the British crime situation, read the companion article to this one, which discusses the current violent situation in England.)

Clearly, this isn't the kind of liberally-baised legislation the Beeb hoped it's readers would demand. The will of the people? Mais non! The BBC and MP Pound quickly backpedaled, renigging on promises to introduce the bill...

Mr. Pound was apoplectic. The bill was "unworkable," he said. "I can't remember who it was who said 'The people have spoken - the bastards,'" he quipped. Radio 4 later insisted that the remark, a paraphrase of Mark Twain, was tongue-in-cheek, but in the next breath he said his enthusiasm for direct democracy was dampened by the experience.

Yes, indeed. Can't have too much democracy, with the stupid masses participating in their government, can we?

Shut up, stay home, and let us tell you what's good for you. Your participation isn't welcomed here. Clearly, you all need something a bit more... uh... totalitarian. Check back later and we'll tell you what we've decided about the EU for you.

Thanks to Glenn Reynolds for the pointer.