http://www.prisonplanet.com/analysis_newso..._democracy.html
Democracy. The word is all around us. We are bombarded by its “virtuous” definition from every entertainment and information medium that exists. We are taught in schools that democratic philosophy and tradition is the only acceptable and workable system that functions in the world, and, most importantly, instructed that it is the American way. We are told by our news media that establishing democracy worldwide is the reason our armed forces are dispatched to the remotest parts of the globe. Yes, it is for this noble ideology that we send American troops to Serbia and Iraq, and all points between. But what does democracy really mean? What is the true definition of the word that is alleged to not only define the American political tradition, but also serves as a foundation for global military action? Furthermore, what is the true definition of the name many so-called leaders of today invoke as the sole basis of hope for the future of mankind? What is democracy?
Our founding fathers had a clear definition of the term. In The Federalist Papers Essay NO. 10, James Madison states that it is human nature for people to separate into factions and groups. These groups operate for the benefit of their respected members, and typically place the good of the people and nation as a whole behind their own. Imagine a nation full of groups only concerned with their own well-being. Much like a family divided against itself, such a nation would not last very long. Segments of society would be at war with each other constantly, hoping to “capture” the majority vote, and with it the reigns of control of the country. This would be a culture of convenience, where trust in others is non-existent, and people are peaceful only for fear of retribution from mightier factions. It would be a government always on the verge of collapse, a government so unstable that the slightest shift of alliances could send the whole structure tumbling down, only to be rebuilt on the same foundation of frailty that came before it. This is the definition of democracy.
In order to combat such an inefficient and destructive form of government, the founders of our nation sought to create a republic. In the NO. 10, Madison states that, “the CAUSES of faction cannot be removed, and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its EFFECTS.” So instead of creating a monarchy or dictatorship to control the presence of factions, the founding fathers created a system to filter the more base and selfish desires of human nature. This republican form of government relies on representatives, elected by the public, “whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations.” In other words, the men and women whom the people elect are intended to not only carry the considerations of their particular constituents, but are also supposed to be among the greatest champions of liberty and freedom in the land. In this way, the republic utilizes the power of the people to determine the direction of the states and nation as a whole, while minimizing the extent of the undesirable instincts of people to divide into groups and battle each other, as happens in a democracy.
Unfortunately, the current political establishment would rather have you forget these important differences between a republic and a democracy. In fact, leaders of both the dominant parties continually scream to all whom listen that the country residing on the hit list of the month should be destroyed and remade into a democracy. Why? Because a country that becomes truly democratized will eventually split up along ethnic/religious lines, and the people who inhabit these areas will be absolutely powerless to stop a strong nation, or set of nations, from dominating them. Implementing democracy is truly the modern version of Caesar’s divide and conquer technique.
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