Forum Post: OccupyTheConstitution Democracy Why
Posted 12 years ago on Dec. 30, 2011, 12:01 p.m. EST by Nanook
(172)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Democracy is actually not a goal in itself. Democracy is a system to attain other goals. One of these goals is FREEDOM (LIBERTY). So this post prompts questions like: What is it about democracy that we believe will produce individual freedom? What else do we expect democracy to provide besides freedom? I've listed some starter comments below for discussion. Please comment and add more questions.
Here is a reference that might stimulate your thinking: http://www.stanford.edu/~ldiamond/iraq/WhaIsDemocracy012004.htm
(This post is part of a collection of posts aimed at launching a new process called the National Opinion Collection System (NOCS). For more information on the process, see http://occupywallst.org/forum/occupytheconstitution-introduction/ )
Sadly, when NDAA passes it will be the nail on the coffin (the complete desecration of our bill of rights). They got away with the Patriot Act years ago and now they are getting away with this?
It is time for us to spend lots of time protesting in Capitol Hill. WE can't let this happen without a fight.
A key role of democracy is to allow CITIZENS to monitor the activities of government officials and organizations and "rein them in" or punish them if they put their own interests ahead of the CITIZEN'S interests. Do we have adequate processes to do this? How do we INSURE we have that authority if the government starts stepping on human RIGHTS?
2nd Amendment
A key role of democracy is voting to allow CITIZENS to directly select leaders. BUT, does this get us the "best" leaders? Best for what? Do we really get access to the "best", or just the cronies picked by the party bosses?
We don't actually have a whole democracy. We elect people to vote for us. Which in my opinion is a double edged sword because you get crap like we have now but it also keeps the ignorant hicks from totally screwing everyone over.
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A key role of democracy is to allow CITIZENS to participate in public life. Is this happening? Or has the role of the citizen been replaced by lobbyists? Wealthy campaign donors? The media?
E. Options 2-4. I would also like to throw in celebrities which includes Hollywood actors and professional athletes.