I think you're right. We have a huge job ahead of us, of reeducating people as to what consensus means. Consensus cannot be reached by a centralized authority offering two options and forcing everyone to choose between them, that is coercion, not consensus. Also, there can be no "head" setting the standard. Everything from the ground up must be built with the understanding that every voice that wants to be counted, will be counted. We are finally reaching a stage where technology could make that possible. I'm fascinated by the idea.
Here in the US, we have to establish such a system. We are facing one of two futures. One, leads us to anarchy, in which a system like this could thrive. The other, leads us into the final stages of totalitarian despotism, and this system will be needed to operate outside of their purview, just to survive. Either way, it is time we recognize our own power as individuals. The attention we give is the only real human commodity that exists. It leads to endorsement, labor, ambassodorship and the rest.