It Seems To Me
It would seem to
me (I have had a lot of those lately, and they “seem to” keep coming). It would
seem to me that if one really and honestly in their heart believes in democracy,
they would believe in it for all people–not just themselves. If one believes
that (if one really does), would it,
therefore, go without saying that he or she would, also, believe all people
within any given unit of a democracy be included in the electoral process–our
nation, for example, or any nation for that matter? Can a nation really be
democratic if its people or any significant portion of them is excluded from
the process?
Think about
that. Is a government wherein its elected representatives are significantly controlled
by major contributions of money from outside private interests, taking
precedence over the best interests of the people, a democracy? Is
gerrymandering consistent with democracy? Is passing laws deterring voting by
certain segments of the population democratic? How about those who pass laws
ostensibly with one effect for the underlying purpose of, effectively,
achieving another, thereby constraining the democratic process, i.e. voter
suppression? What do you think of excluding other political factions from the
electoral process? Do you think that to be democratic? Should we have more than
two political parties within our system of government to better recognize the
needs and desires of our people? Should multiple parties continue to be restricted in our
electoral process?
Having asked
these questions, do you believe that those who practice or contribute to practices
of voter manipulation and suppression really believe in a democracy of the
people, by the people and for the people; or, on the other hand, are they
serving just their own special interests through control of the vote with
little or no regard for the benefit of the people?
I have one last
question under “It seems to me”. Does it “Seem to you” that you can continue to
enjoy the benefits of a democratic republic without the active and robust
participation of you and your fellow citizens? Do you really think our democratic
republic can continue to exist given the direction in which it is going if you
fail to actively take part? Surely you cannot be happy with things as they are.
Ronald Miller
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