Denis Beckett, Quiet Revolution

Radio Today's invitation was "come talk about your theory of advanced democracy". There could be only answer: "Yesplease!"
I've lugged this theory around for 26 years, solo. Just lately, 2010, I've lost patience somewhat and have got into a bit of shoulder-charging.
I know extremely well that this theme -- "look, here's a formula for a better world" -- comes across as kook. I also know that some day the people who now make looping gestures at their temples will find Democracy Version Two to be as self-evident as brake-lights or belt buckles (two other useful things that caused looping motions in their time).
Radio-wise the big thing is to steer wide wide clear of an hour-a-week sermon -- or preek in the marvellously more alarming Afrikaans word.
Thus, first, I get some good and decent person to give me a hard time, in the studio, with whys and wherefores and running interference.
Second, I talk to someone on something that has nothing to do with upgrading democracy. So far: (1) Metro director Gerry Gernecke on why road blocks are allowed to cause wilful 5km hold-ups with cardiac arrest and blood pressure risks, such as along William Nicol, and (2) Blackness apostle Jimmy Manyi on how the new racism is the -- just as wilful -- sabotage of actual black progression into confidence and capacity.
Third, I play great music, mine and my guest's; the rule being no okay music. They or I must think it's great, or it doesn't feature. (Pearljam's "Wishlist" has been running through my head for the 8 hours since I aired it).
Fourth and last: I tell a tale, of something real. This time it was of joys and oddities and brow-furrowings arising from a trip through the dorpies of the eastern Free State.
People, welcome to Quiet Revolution, 6 - 7 on Wednesday evenings. And here I confess a secret yearning -- won't somebody phone in, even if just to say "talk slower" or "you mispronounced 'protagonist'" or something. A guy can get the feeling that you're talking entirely to yourself; posing philosophical riddles like the tree falling in the forest when there's no-one to hear it. Please, an echo, I politely ask.
Oh, and last: "Quiet Revolution" is for real, hey. That's the point of Democracy 2 -- it's going to lead to the reallest revolution ever, the one that does not switch ruling cliques but actually puts power into the hands of the people, you and me. And for sure the quietest -- no death, no gunshot, no prowling black cars and sudden kidnaps, no sjambokking, even; actually no objection to speak of, once the concept of democracy's next phase wears in.

Khotso! Sterkte!