The opposite of despotism. Subjugation of the minority by the majority.
The belief that if the majority of people wants something to get done, then in a good democracy, the government will either recognize this, or be replaced by one that will, and it will be done.
Of course it gets a bit fuzzy from there. Some people associate democracy with freedom, yet freedom is not inherent in any form of government. If 51 percent of the population wanted to enslave the other 49 percent, would that be a good democracy?
Many would say no, that a good democracy is also about fairness and equality. Some go further, and say that good democracy is about elimination of discrimination, affirmative action and ecological harmony. But a democratic government is not a prerequisite to achieving these.
When asked ‘What is democracy?’ most people just list a bunch of political policies which they happen to agree with. Usually also it includes a list of things the government should do for them or give them.
Instead of making decisions ourselves, most democracies elect representatives who make decisions on our behalf. Unfortunately, the people end up electing politicians, who just happen to be the worst people for the job.
Democracy is a majority of the populating voting to nuke a gay whale for oil. I mean, come one, we need more oil.
Excellent post.
I love that last line, “Unfortunately, the people end up electing politicians, who just happen to be the worst people for the job.” It’s just too true.
Isn’t amazing, I mean tens of millions of people, dozens of candidates if not thousands and it always ends up being the worst one!?
This is almost something like an unprobability factor coming straight out of The Hitchhiker’s guide to tha galaxy.
Keep bloggin!
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What is it called when less than 50% of the eligible population actually turn out to vote? We really need to step it up for this democracy to work.
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