But I wanted to comment on democracy. Although it is taboo to speak critically of democracy, because we all know the alternative systems that have proved most unfair and even cruel, I think it is useful to note the things that could be improved.
No doubt its undeniable virtue (which has certified it as the best system for now) is that it prevents any individual from persisting in power and exercising with tyranny forever. Having said that, to think that the majority is able to choose wisely and profitably what is best for a community is a little pretentious. Great is the burden of responsibility that falls on us all as a group to govern our destinies! Not that we do not deserve it, on the contrary, but the suspicion is whether we are prepared to do it this way...
Do we have people enough civic, historical, economic and social background to understand the implications of our choices as a collectivity? Are we really capable of sacrificing short-term benefit, for a greater long-term one? Can we equally think of ourselves and our descendants, or the descendants of other peoples? For those who are convinced that we do, I note that our politicians and leaders, their parties and their campaigns (even the most horrifying ones), are a clear reflection of what we, as a group, are mostly receptive to (i.e. we have the rulers we deserve). So the question really is, whether the cycle of elections-governance-democratic education of the people is a virtuous or a sinful one.
What do you think?
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