Who gets to vote in a direct democracy? My parents don't know anything cryptography, and are likely to base their decision on others, or even worse, a news source.
Right there, our parents outnumber us 2:1. Why should I trust the rest of America, who largely gets their information from media companies designed to optimize for ratings, on matters pertaining to cryptography?
Indeed, it would not be long before the press makes the case that 0% tax for media would be awesome for everybody. "There would be no commercials!", "Think of the children, we can make quality programs with more cash!" etc. etc.
Direct democracy is not a solution. The solution is the thing we're doing now. The system works in the sense that we're righting it by having this kerfuffle about the secrecy. And something will change, and then the issue will be forgotten for awhile and the story will repeat.
Committees rulings are a lie. (http://www.textbookleague.org/103feyn.htm)
Even the most seemingly reasonable regulations are a lie. (http://www.amazon.com/The-Truth-About-Drug-Companies/dp/0375...)
The sooner people realize there's no other option other than a direct democracy since governments and companies are untrustworthy, the better.