Democracy – Not all that it is cut out to be...

Democracy! The idea that the majority rules, seems to be one of the most popular systems of selecting governments and manage many affairs and situations in the world. But I say we need to continue to search for an alternative. Despite its flaws (and there are a few critical ones) we should not be blinded by the idea that the best we have now is equal to the best we will ever have.

For example, if for arguments sake, your electorate consisted of a bunch of intellectually disabled people, would you trust the outcome of any poll? This is obviously an extreme scenario but it serves to illustrate the point! Most electorates are either not fully informed of the issues or not educated enough to understand them. So how is it valid to be asking them to decide on who governs? Of course in this day and age of the internet and greater media coverage, issues are discussed much more than before but the issues have also become more complex. But sweep all that aside for a moment and look at the latest US Presidential elections. Kerry for all his intellectual prowess (compared to Bush) and experience was reduced to the simple label of "Flip Flopper" by the media. Is changing your mind about something that bad. I sure would hope that my leader would have the moral courage to change his/her mind if they knew it was for the greater good!

For another example, would a company conduct a survey of how much salary increases to offer its people? Of course not! We are selfish and we want what is best for ourselves and ourselves only. Well, perhaps, that may extend to one’s immediate family but that’s about it. If we really think people vote for policies because they think it is for the greater good, then we are seriously living in a fantasy.

I am certainly not a great supporter of democracy. Unfortunately, I have not seen a better system so I grudgingly support it in the absence of a better system. But I sure hope someone somewhere is working out some way better because the current process leaves a lot to be desired.