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?
The past few days have been quite difficult for me because it has been virtually impossible to visit international websites (Streamyx customer care officers tell me that restoration is in progress aaarrrghhhh!!!!) and I have been deprived of my daily dose of reading from my favorite sites.
With her left hand on the steering wheel, her right hand made its way to her nostril and she started picking her nose just as she was turning out to the main road.I turned away in horror!!! And she knew!!
Dig. Pick. Roll and flick.
Dig. Pick. Roll and flick.
What am I talking about?
The National Past Time of Malaysian Drivers of course!!!
Bugger - get rid of your booger!!!!
Whenever I stop at any traffic light, I look to my left and to my right. What do I see? More often than not, my eyes will fall upon a driver(could be male or could be female) happily, contentedly digging his/her nose, picking from various angles and if the wait was longer, would be proudly rolling his/her own nugget after which would be the long awaited ritual of flicking it to the heavens!
that you partake in this ecstatic practice). Good heavens, NO!!!!!10 reasons why people pick their noses (copyrighted by yours truly)
1. In their previous life, they were gold diggers either in the Californian Gold Rush or in Australia.
2. They are mulling over the blue print of an electronic nose digging device so that they can become rich and famous.3. Out of sheer dissatisfaction with the shape of their nose, size of their nostrils, they do the dig, pick roll and flick routine in an attempt to challenge nature and to make themselves more beautiful as they contort their faces oops I mean their noses to their own whims and fancies instead of going under the knife.4. Deep in their hearts, they want to leave a mark behind by flicking their harvested booger so that when these do land on target, it can harden and become an artistic work of art sticking to the walls of the car window or anywhere they please.5. It is the easiest and fastest way to ensure that time passes meaningfully and dare I add fruitfully.6. The wicked streak in them propels them to leave the fruit of their labour behind in such a way that maybe, just maybe, it might land on their enemies’ faces, food, drink, hair or whatever pleases their aim.7. Nose picking is a highly addictive habit. Watch someone pick his/her nose and the innocent observer will soon indulge as well (happily and unknowingly).8. The scientist in them moves them to collect these specimens for further study. Who knows, it could be a cure for cancer, or even to investigate whether there are similarities in the DNA of nose diggers. By Jove, the discovery would reveal a new found breed!!!9. With the scarcity of resources, these nose diggers intend to use their harvested booger in new and exciting ways e.g. seasoning food (excuse me…I did not say food for their own consumption, could be for enemies).10. They exist purely because of a “If you can’t stop them, join them’ scenario.
* A battery-operated device that aids in nose picking.
* has four brushes - one to dig, another to excavate, another to squirt water and the last to vacuum/suck out the findings
*Optional gadgets include comb to brush nostril hair and a tiny scissors to trim those black thingies sticking out of the two caverns.
Classic isn’t it? He got an 'A' for creativity. Every time I think of him, I always smile at the remembrance of his sketch. My only regret is I wish I had kept the poster. Smile
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It is easy to criticize, complain, propose or even to talk a lot. After all is said and done and we have put our best foot forward, one thing remains: To trust that the “what” we have done will bear fruit. And what is trust? Trust is an inner knowing and a “focused surrender” that things will work out.
According to Martin Luther King Jr., “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase” while Ramona C. Carroll opined that “faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, and then counting your blessings before they hatch.” For Christians, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Is it easy to have trust and faith, especially in ourselves?
Obviously, the most important is for us to take the right steps to the path of success. For that, we must have a vision and a purpose and use the skills, disciplines, strategies and techniques - EVERYDAY of our lives in order to plant the seed of faith and to visualize our goals.
Ordinarily, doubts will set in and when that happens, it may weaken the link and path to a successful outcome. Then, we may have to take additional steps if we feel there is more to do to ensure and insure success.
Seriously, we need to remember that trust is an internal process based on faith, strength, intuition, passion and the conviction and knowledge that what we are doing is right and will have the highest and best result. We can choose to focus on the good things or the bad. At the moment when things seem to be so bleak, it is easy to lose sight of what we have and we should not.
Honestly, I am sure if we look around ourselves, we can see results of our success. The only problem is, sometimes we may too hard on ourselves. even on others. I know I am my own worst critic. Then I have to remind myself that every successful or confident step that I make along the way to my specific goal is proof that what I am doing is working. In this way, I can build trust in myself and in the process, when I come across a step that does not work, I can re-evaluate and listen to my intuition to take a different step.
We all know that life is a learning process and that often times, it is not an easy road that we travel...especially now. While doing this post, I realize more than ever (and it is a documented reminder for myself) how much I need to follow my own advice. To be honest, it’s difficult to have faith when the immediate results are not in front of you. It is difficult to have faith when so many things seem to be going wrong in our midst. However, we need to remember that it is only when we have trust and have faith, that something greater happens. And, what do we have left to do except to pray?
Undeniably, things seem to be quite dismal in our country now. When a door closes, let us pray that another window will open, that obstacles will diminish and step-by-step…day-by-day, we will walk the path to our goal.
Have trust and faith that God will make a way....for us, for Malaysia.
by SUE ATKINS
Do you want more attention, more respect, more help with the kids, more hugs, more romance, more surprises, more time together, more intimacy, and more fun? Someone to babysit, iron the shirts, help make the dinner sometimes or hang up the towels in the bathroom?
Then ask.
“But I shouldn’t have to ask” is the refrain I’ve heard many, many times on workshops and when I’m coaching.
But this is a false belief.
It’s also a false belief that causes untold pain, suffering, anger and despair for many couples because unless you are living with a mind reader your partner won’t know what you want unless you ask!
It’s that simple!
It doesn’t mean your partner doesn’t love you – they just have their own map of the world and their own way of thinking and experiencing the world - and it just means they haven’t fully developed their psychic powers enough yet!
Just like the genie in the lamp couldn’t grant you any of your wishes if you didn’t tell him what they were, your partner can’t try to guess either.
Your partner can’t fulfil your wishes, dreams or needs if they don’t know what they are!
So tell them.
Men really are from Mars and women are from Venus if you don’t spell out what you want.
“If you really loved me, I wouldn’t have to ask” is just not true.
It is entirely possible that your partner loves you to bits but their idea of a good night out is a beer and a curry and yours is champagne and smoked salmon.
So be specific. Give your partner a chance to respond in the way you’d like them to and don’t expect them to be a mind reader. If you want a picnic by the sea – ask for it. If you want to go horse racing – ask for it.
Don’t nag, whine, complain or criticise – just simply, pleasantly, cheerfully and respectfully ask – don’t tell, don’t boss, don’t demand and don’t shout…… just ask and let the magic and fun begin !
Sue Atkins is a Parent Coach, former Deputy Head with 22 years teaching experience, mother to two teenage children and is an NLP Master Practitioner and Trainer trained by Paul McKenna. She has written many books on self esteem, toddlers and teenagers and has a collection of Parenting Made Easy Toolkits available from her website. She is also the author of "Raising Happy Children for Dummies" one in the black and yellow series published worldwide. To receive her free newsletter bursting with practical tips and helpful advice from toddler to teen log onto positive-parents.com.
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