Democracy

I often think about the “shape” in which we find our country. It seems that our elected officials are little more than squabbling brats. They have lost the art of compromise and diplomacy.

Arizona passes some tough laws on immigration and the opposition takes it to the Supreme Court. The SCOTUS upheld the law and the President decides he doesn’t like that so he in effect, defies the SCOTUS. The congress passed a law, the affordable care act and the opposition takes it to the Supreme Court claiming it is unconstitutional. The SCOTUS declares it constitutional and immediately the opposition takes it to task to repeal it.

I guess that is democracy in action but it seems like we are headed down a rabbit hole.

 So what is democracy? The dictionary defines it:

1. A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives-
2. A state governed in such a way
3. Control of an organization or group by the majority of its members
4. The practice or principles of social equality

In a some what dated article, I found this definition:

“The concept of democracy is often expressed in terms of “thin” and “thick” definitions. At its most fundamental (or thin) incarnation, democracy is synonymous with popular sovereignty or majority rule: a system of governance in which the people choose their leaders by casting votes. Also known as electoral democracy, this definition describes the processes by which a government derives its authority or mandate. But, most agree that this is only one piece of the equation. What the government does with this mandate, how it rules, and the outcomes that are produced must also be factored into a (thick) designation of democracy. Thus, what we know as democracy in its ideal form generally also includes governance by rule of law and the protection of civil liberties, or liberal democracy. Though how these two basic components of democracy – electoral and liberal – are represented may differ, it is widely accepted that a truly democratic system of governance must comprise both. The extent to which it does so will determine its quality and durability. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, without liberal democracy, electoral democracy is “nothing more than mob rule where 51% of the people may take away the rights of the other 49.”

Electoral democracy is the process by which leaders gain public office; liberal democracy results when clear limits are placed on what they can do when they get there.” http://worldsavvy.org/monitor/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=183&Itemid=297

Two of these seem to be at odds:

1. Control of an organization or group by the majority of its members
2. The practice or principles of social equality

How can we have majority rule and equality? Do we really have a country where the majority rules? i.e. the electoral vote  Do we provide equality for all members of our society. i.e. Gays and Lesbians, Transgender … atheist?  Are we working on it? I think so.

In spite of what John Adams said in 1763 our democracy is not perfect it seems to be better than anything else out there.

Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide.
John Adams
 http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/john_adams.html#ZeqPHvlp57YIRAsI.99

  

In my humble opinion, where we seem to have gone awry is in the power department. As I began this rant I was appalled that the SCOTUS has been so “dissed” but as I conclude I think another John Adams quote sums it up.

Sep. 5, 1763 - from a letter published in the Boston Gazette

Unbridled passions produce the same effects, whether in a king, nobility, or a mob. The experience of all mankind has proved the prevalence of a disposition to use power wantonly. It is therefore as necessary to defend an individual against the majority (in a democracy) as against the king in a monarchy.