Our Supposed Democracy
By Steve Dustcircle
04 September, 2015
Countercurrents.org
Most people have a sense of fairness instilled in them. You see this in children: “That's not fair!” “He got the biggest piece!” “She took my toy!” But it's not all about them. You also see altruism in them: If one has 2 of one item such as ice cream or candy, they'll share it with their friend. Community, even at the toddler age.
This sense of fairness continues into adulthood. We call our country (the United States of America) a democracy. We say that majority rules. We say that this form of government is the best form in the world, and all governments should implement a democracy. And when something is a little off, a little unfair, a red flag goes up in our heads.
I agree that majority rules is indeed the best method to keep the people happy. We like to choose our destiny. We like to share our experiences with similar-minded people groups. We like to vote in polls, online or off.
But I disagree with how our government has its democracy shaped now. While I cannot answer to whether or not I would have agreed with the democracy definition of old, as I wasn't there, but I'd like to think that—from what I know—that this country's forefathers had a good concept, and started out strong with that democratic republic.
What do the people want? Okay, that's what we'll give them.
This is what all leaders should ask. Our current leaders do not. They give you the illusion of freedom to choose, but what they usually give you is 2 choices of their picking. We see this in Presidential elections. Even if there are more than 2 or 3 candidates running, the media outlets only cover the 2, and usually giving the third party a dismissal chuckle. Our laws on the ballot that we vote on are similar. When the people actually get an item on the ballot, the wording is vague or confusing. If you ask for help understanding the word, you're either told they cannot help you or they give you a biased explanation on their definition.
In this country, we really don't have open choice. All choices are closed, the choices those in charge have given us. It's like parents who would ask would the kids in the back seat rather be grounded or abused. Of course, the kids would prefer neither, but if the choice had to be made, they'd choose the lesser of the two evils.
Sometimes we're not even given two bad choices, but asked what the kids would like to eat for lunch. Each of the kids would give their preference. 2 votes for burgers, 1 for hot dogs. The government acts in such a way, that they'd discount the votes for both burgers and hot dogs, and give you a salad. Maybe even laced salad. This isn't a choice. This isn't democracy. This is a dictator's way of doing things. And if you get the laced lunch, it's done by an abusive dictator.
Our government pretty much asks, What does the majority of the people want? The people vote, and if the majority vote doesn't line up with what the ones in charge would like, they give the proverbial middle finger to the ones they serve, more or less saying, You're all fools and we know what's better for you.
Screw you, Americans. Sincerely, your public servants.
Originally from Chicago, Steve Dustcircle now resides in Columbus, OH with his frugal-life blogger wife Cynthia, and they have a cat, a turtle, and three bunnies. Steve Dustcircle is the author of several books: Deadpool 101, Napkins, Politics for the Disinterested, Terminal, Transport, and Unchristianed Nation. Steve has also edited Citing Atheists, Mangasarian Volume One, and The Quotable Dissenting Heretic. He also wrote No, I Won't Buy Your eBook under the name, Scott Dwight. All books are self-published. Steve and his wife run aLife Beyond Books, a publishing house and editing service for authors who write about living life a little differently than the status quo. Buy, download or read Steve's books at alifebeyondbooks.com and stevedustcircle.us. Email: [email protected]
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