masterwordsmith-unplugged

Can true democracy exist in this tainted world? As we look around us today, we can see how countries that were totalitarian or dictatorial , impressed by the triumph of democracy, are embracing democracy. But does it really exist in this world, especially in our country?


As it stands, democracy has a popular base and it hinges on the consent of the governed. The problem is that this consent must be real, active and effective. It is a government by the people, for the people, either directly or indirectly through their representatives and they govern themselves. Well, all this sounds too idealistic to be practical. Pardon my cynicism.

Ideologically, the will of the people should remain supreme on all questions of social direction and the policy of the government. Realistically, democracy is the most elusive and ambiguous of all political terms . Today, what we see unfolding before our eyes in the political arena seems to reinforce this premise.

To me, the successful functioning of democracy requires the existence of a sophisticated population. By this, I mean that the population should be sufficiently educated so that they can be aware of their responsibilities in the country and how these can set limits to their freedom. To put it simply, the freedom of the individual exists but this is a freedom that cannot be disassociated with responsibility.

What we need is an informed population which is definitely necessary to make intelligent decisions such as in exercising reason when they elect the right candidates to power.

An unsophisticated, ignorant or naive population may easily succumb to emotional appeal and allow themselves to be guided by emotion and illogical reasons or false promises instead of by reason. At the same time, we cannot be a population that is ruled by the heart alone without thinking about core issues that matter, and that we have far too many to deal with at this point of time - not at the rate that things or intrigues are occurring.


The fact is that an essential attribute of democracy is the power to accept or reject a government. Well, to a certain extent then, the existence of fair elections can make a democracy but what happens if the ruling party does not accept the verdict as spelled out in election results? What happens when people who were elected abandon ship? This has been the hottest debate in the media and cyberspace for the past two or three weeks and the voice of discontent seems to be rising in unison.


Let us look at Hitler. The government that he established was not a democracy though he held elections and received overwhelming majorities. So what then makes a true democratic country?

To me, there must be the GENUINE possibility of an alternative government without resorting to a revolution, violence, intrigue or unethical practices. Obviously, there must be the existence of a CONSTITUTIONAL and RESPONSIBLE OPPOSITION which is allowed the FREEDOM to develop its own organization and resources so that it can easily take over power from the existing government once they win the elections and form its own government even at short notice. And when that happens, losers must accept the verdict as spelled out in the ballot box instead of resorting to foul play or unethical ploys of the most underhand sort.

Thus, with fair elections and the existence of the Opposition it can be possible for citizens to enjoy fundamental liberties such as freedom of association, of the press, of public meeting, of discussion and opinion. of conscience and of speech. Take a deep breath and ask yourself honestly - Do such civil liberties exist in our country? What is the price that some have had to pay? Think deep and hard.


Frankly, such civil liberties are necessary to ensure that voters can be articulate in order to maximize participation in the administration of the state. Freedom with no corresponding responsibility is a fallacy. And yet, when a government is not responsible in terms of values, principles, morals, ethics and integrity, what will happen? What will happen if the very institutions that are supposed to uphold truth, justice, honor, social order and social control are in turn controlled to sing the tune of the powerful? Who then is the higher authority to which these should be accountable? Who then will mete out the judgement and punishment without fear or favor?


Let’s be realistic. The basic tenets of democracy, namely fraternity, equality and and liberty can be meaningful only if pursued within the framework of law and order. We cannot be selfish to exercise such liberties to such an extent that we infringe on the liberty of others. Spreading awareness of issues cannot be done in such a way that it creates more disquiet than already exists. And the gross misuse or abuse of the media to further such unholy aims is most deplorable.


Right now, many are exhibiting mob behavior following the crowd, being vocal to the extent of hurting people’s feelings, stirring sentiments that could be disastrous if we do not exercise caution in the way we think, discuss or even to make defenses. True, we need freedom of speech but we should not fall prey to self-seeking individuals or wolves in sheep’s clothing who begin an illogical discussion or hit below the belt in various media or counter suits or endless press releases/press conferences without realizing the magnitude of the implications of their statements or actions. For far too long, people have been blinded, suppressed especially with the lies from various sources until their senses are dulled to the extent that many cannot discern what is truth, fact or fiction.


People, let us realize our duties and rights. Democracy reposes faith in the common man and is supposed to give citizens equal opportunity to achieve their goals. This utopia is not even visible in our horizon but that does not mean that we abandon ship and start blaming others without doing anything ourselves. Democracy is participation : doing things in common with others and taking share of responsibilities.

Hopefully, there will come a time when people can see beyond colour, class and creed as they lobby for the betterment of our country. As it is, so many pull wool over our eyes until we think we see but in reality, we are blinded, being blinded and seemingly blind or is it that we choose not to see?

The current state of affairs require a mature and responsible approach in the way we make objections and complaints which should be exercised in the most responsible way to the extent that weaknesses are exposed whilst at the same time, harmony, unity and equality are preserved. Most tragically, all this seems to be a tall order at the rate things are going or should I say, at the rate things are going out of hand. So the bottom line is, are we essentially democratic or what?