Ah. To study the history of governments and learn where the values of each system is truly satisfying. To discover that democracy led Julius to become emperor and, ultimately, to the fall of Rome is amazing. Then, to discover that it was the GREEKS who discovered and effectively used democracy on a much larger scale is...well, not such a shocker. They transferred from representative democracy to direct democracy in hopes that the people would lead the nation on a much better path. Its arguable whether or not it was successful, considering those who could vote were only 20% of the poplulation.
But Democracy. How truly American. The patriotic thing to say, and in some ways I agree, but the irony true irony lies in the philosophy.
The greatest philosophers of all time, arguably, would be the Greek philosophers Socrates, Aristotle and Plato. Within decades, these men created ideals based off of their knowledge and understanding of the world that we still use today! Some of their most significant ideals were of government, and Aristotle and Plato had the most meaningful ideals to our society today. Both, however, had very different views on the role of government. Plato believed that the individual was more important than the state, and Aristotle belied that the individual could not live without the state therefore making the state was more important. The aspect that both agreed on? Democracy is one of the most corrupt form of government. How shocking. In theory it is good, but they believe that the leaders would become self-centered, and no longer act for the people. AND, Plato specifically, believed that the masses could never be educated enough to truly understand what they are voting on. Oh ghee, how ironic. How many people vote based on the commercials and advertisements they see as opposed to the research they do? A lot actually. I was surprised. I am more educated on the issues than many people, because I took the time to look them up and I CAN'T EVEN VOTE.Ttherefore in one year, I will be an educated voter, along with a small percentage of "the masses".
I encourage everyone to research the issues they are confused on, the advertisements sometimes stretch the truth. I am not saying that everyone should read every Proposition or candidate's beliefs thoroughly, just research the ideas and decide for YOURSELF. I know that I, for one, would like to prove Aristotle and Plato wrong. Democracy can be a great government system, and the masses can be educated voters. Now the leaders...that's a different issue.
I enjoy that the US is a democracy that acts like an imperialistic empire - expanding our borders but not accepting the new territories as new states, forcing other governments to bow to us, and when they don't bow, we attack.
It is every bit as ironic as that song by Alanis (*sings - poorly* It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife!) wasn't.
-acertainsaint-
"expanding our borders but not accepting the new territories as new states, forcing other governments to bow to us, and when they don't bow, we attack."
But it is the will of the people that this is so. I mean, even the people we do that to obviously want us to.
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson
Well, duh.
Also, go comment - and I mean, do something that sounds smart and cannot contain "dirty" words because I need to print out the comments and turn them in for an assignment as they're going to count as a peer review for my English class - on my blog which has made it to the Highest Rated spot: Who's Running?
Make it smart sounding where you tell me how amazing I am as a writer, etc. Or tell me how the writing is horrible - your call. But make it "turn-in-able" to a professor who taught at Asbury College (google it if you don't know what that means). I'd bow to the Mighty Meek.
-acertainsaint-
The mighty meek is pleased with you. Your wish shall be granted.
"Don't blame me. I voted for Kodos."
Homer Simpson