It never ceases to amaze me how many people believe we live in a democracy. I’ve heard it countless times from McCain, Obama, Hillary, Norm Coleman, Tim Pawlenty, and a myriad of other blathering politicians how great it is we live is such a great “democracy”. The media and the political establishment have been driving that into our heads for years. Do you think it’s great living in a democracy? Well, our founding fathers didn’t think so. In fact they so despised the monarchy and the parliamentary democracy they formed a Constitutional Republic.
Then why do we hear the constant drumbeat of democracy, democracy, democracy? In my not so humble opinion, it’s a subtle attempt to condition the masses. If we hear it enough, we might start to believe it. After all, a democracy is a good thing right? It’s the will of the people that matters, isn’t it? Well, what if you’re in the minority? Fifty percent plus one trumps your vote. That’s called the tyranny of the majority. “But wait”, you say. “There’s no tyranny here. This is the good ol’ US of A”. Well yes, you’re right, it is the good ol’ US of A. There’s no better place on the planet. But that’s not saying much these days. I submit to you that we are fast becoming a democracy and the federal government is tyrannical. Mirriam Webster defines tyranny as this:
1: oppressive power <every form of tyranny over the mind of man — Thomas Jefferson>; especially : oppressive power exerted by government <the tyranny of a police state>
2 a: a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler; especially : one characteristic of an ancient Greek city-state b: the office, authority, and administration of a tyrant
3: a rigorous condition imposed by some outside agency or force <living under the tyranny of the clock — Dixon Wecter>
Democracy is mob rule. The minority has no rights. In a Republic the individual has certain inalienable rights and there is a separation of powers. On paper we are still a Constitutional Republic, but in practice I believe we are operating mostly as a democracy. If you were not compelled by the government to do so, would you pay income tax? Of course not. But you do it because the overreaching arm of government has a gun to your head. “Oh come on, Mark, no one has a gun to my head!”, you’re thinking. Oh yeah; try not paying your taxes next year and see what happens.
Google the title of this post and you will find reading on the subject that will keep you busy for hours if not days. There is no need for me to re-invent the wheel here. But, I’ll list my favorite sites that seem to keep the concept fairly succinct.
A great article by Walter Williams
An Important Distinction: Democracy versus Republic
The difference between a Democracy and a Republic
Next time you hear a politician speak, listen for the words “democracy” and “republic”. My guess is you’ll hear the former a lot and the latter little or none.
November 28, 2008 at 2:48 am |
It is incredibly refreshing to finally find a post that recognizes the distinction between the republic and the democracy. Many a coworker and family member think me mad when I remind them of the somewhat dystopian facts of democracy. As someone who thinks themself a somewhat left leaning moderate, I can’t say I agree with all of your posts, but at least the opinions therein are founded on free thinking as opposed to blind partisanship. Keep it up!!
November 28, 2008 at 2:39 pm |
There’s not many “free thinkers” left I’m afraid. That fact was exemplified in the election outcome. I will admit to one time being somewhat “blindly” Republican, but I’ve been enlightened! Neither major party is willing to confront the real cause of our dilemmas; too much government intervention and a refusal to follow the constitution.