I have always been an ardent believer in democracy–The dictionary defines democracy as the rule of the people. Even at its best, “democracy is the worst form of government except for all the rest,” according to Winston Churchill. Is democracy a terrible form of government?
Does it hold the threat of destroying humanity’s most precious right – liberty?
In the so-called democratic societies, a semblance of democracy hobbles along with fits and starts, always on the verge of complete subversion and collapse. For instance, Western democracies are representative democracies where ordinary citizens do not rule. A representative democracy is, in effect, a plutocracy where money, people, and powerful interest groups lead.
The society’s rulers form a pyramid. At the base of the pyramid, we have the closest thing to democracy. The individual citizen has some sway over the locally elected officials such as the sheriff, the mayor, the city councilman, and the like. As we go up the pyramid, the voice of the individual citizen diminishes while the influence of money and power groups expands. It is a fact that, without funds, one cannot even run for the city’s animal control officer. At the very least, the aspiring candidate needs money for posters or handbills to make himself known to the electorate and argue why they should elect him, not his opponent.
The point is that it takes enormous amounts of money to become a part of the pyramid. And not everyone is a billionaire with a bottomless pocket and the willingness to tap it. Bottom line: If you aspire to become a part of the ruling pyramid, you require funds commensurate with the position you seek.
The US Constitution does not use the term “democracy. The United States is a representative republic. A republic if we can keep it, said Benjamin Franklin. It is a republic in which the people do not openly elect the president.
But as the recent events unfolded, I couldn’t help but feel like the system I had once held in such high regard was crumbling around me. The naked truth is that many politicians are paid agents, dancing to the tune of lobbyists and special interest groups. It is a harsh realization, and I am disillusioned and annoyed.
Democracy is the guardian of liberty. Embedded in a democracy are provisions that can make it implode from within. Democracy also has its guardian: A resolutely vigilant, proactive, and ethical citizenry.
Money’s influence in politics was deeply entrenched, and it would take years of continued effort to root out corruption and restore our democracy to its proper form.
Reflecting on my journey, I realized that being an ordinary citizen did not mean I was powerless. I learned I could make a difference by shining a light on the dark corners of our political landscape and supporting those willing to stand up for the people.
Ultimately, the naked truth was that our democracy was a fragile and imperfect system, but it was also a resilient one. It could withstand the onslaught of corruption and greed if enough of us were willing to fight for it. I hoped that others would join the cause and that more ordinary citizens would rise and hold their representatives accountable.
So, I leave you with a call to action. If you, like me, are disillusioned with the state of our democracy, don’t despair. Get involved in politics, demand transparency, and hold your representatives accountable. The power to shape our nation’s future lies in the people’s hands, and it’s time we took it back from the puppeteers of democracy.
What do you think can be done? Is there a way of resisting and reversing the imminent assault on our most cherished right of liberty? Here are some suggestions.
- Become an active worker of liberty instead of passive, non-caring devil-may-care nihilists.
- Use the political process while it is still responsive to the demands and wishes of freedom-loving people by supporting laws that guard freedom and reject those that infringe on liberty.
- Actively support political candidates who are deeply committed to freedom.
- Run for office, any office. Please encourage your friends and other liberty advocates to pitch in and help in any way they can.
- Hold to account those politicians who sell themselves to lobbyists and special interest groups.
- Be an active educator by informing others about the creeping danger of Marxism.
- Resist any WOKE philosophy in schools and the workplace.
- Contribute money, small or large amounts, to causes and individuals who are fighting to preserve liberty. As the old saying goes, freedom is not free.
In short, liberty is our most prized possession, and democracy is the shield that protects it. Yet, this shield of democracy is vulnerable and needs to be repaired and strengthened regularly. I am calling on you, the individual freedom-loving person, to play your part in the defense of freedom, not only for your own sake but also for mine and all others who cherish this precious blessing of life and generations to come.
