Enemies of democracy
I make a big deal of saying I don't follow any particular political ideology. I focus on practical solutions, not on any philosophy of governing. But lately I'm starting to realize that I do have an ideology, not of governing, but of democracy itself. And I have enemies.
There are things democracy can not function without. So far in my campaign I've focused on one of these things: competent representation. If the people we elect do not effectively represent the people or our interests, the purpose of democracy is defeated. I believe strongly that Congress does not represent us, and must be made to. This is why I am running.
But more is needed. Truth is required for democracy to function. The people must know what is true, or they can not make informed decisions. And the people must have a devotion to the truth, above opinion or propaganda. If the people aren't willing to seek out the truth and base their actions on it, it makes no difference whether we have competent representation or not.
There are those who lie and manipulate to achieve their ends. We all know who these people are. They are using the tools of evil men, of fascists and dictators throughout history. They are my enemies, and the enemies of a democratic society. We must use every tool at our disposal to see them defeated.
Far more in number are those who accept and spread what they are told without question, because it fits their pre-existing worldview. These people are asleep. They are not enemies, to be defeated. But they must be made to realize that they tear down the very thing they hope to defend. People must understand that without a devotion to truth, democracy is void. Seek the truth, don't just accept what's handed to you.
But even with truth and competent representation, there is a third factor that democracy requires to survive: peace. Almost every day I hear more about people calling for violence as a solution to political problems. I say without equivocation that the instant violence even enters consideration to achieve internal change, from any side, democracy is under direct threat.
I say to those who would consider armed rebellion, military coup, or any other form of violence as an option to achieve your political ends the same thing I say to any government that uses violence to control its own people: you have rejected democracy, and I reject you. If democracy were already defeated, the question would be moot. But it is not. Instigating violence against a fairly elected government in the name of democracy can only destroy the thing you wish to defend.
Peace. Truth. Competence. Without a devotion to all three, democracy dies. We can't let that happen.
There are things democracy can not function without. So far in my campaign I've focused on one of these things: competent representation. If the people we elect do not effectively represent the people or our interests, the purpose of democracy is defeated. I believe strongly that Congress does not represent us, and must be made to. This is why I am running.
But more is needed. Truth is required for democracy to function. The people must know what is true, or they can not make informed decisions. And the people must have a devotion to the truth, above opinion or propaganda. If the people aren't willing to seek out the truth and base their actions on it, it makes no difference whether we have competent representation or not.
There are those who lie and manipulate to achieve their ends. We all know who these people are. They are using the tools of evil men, of fascists and dictators throughout history. They are my enemies, and the enemies of a democratic society. We must use every tool at our disposal to see them defeated.
Far more in number are those who accept and spread what they are told without question, because it fits their pre-existing worldview. These people are asleep. They are not enemies, to be defeated. But they must be made to realize that they tear down the very thing they hope to defend. People must understand that without a devotion to truth, democracy is void. Seek the truth, don't just accept what's handed to you.
But even with truth and competent representation, there is a third factor that democracy requires to survive: peace. Almost every day I hear more about people calling for violence as a solution to political problems. I say without equivocation that the instant violence even enters consideration to achieve internal change, from any side, democracy is under direct threat.
I say to those who would consider armed rebellion, military coup, or any other form of violence as an option to achieve your political ends the same thing I say to any government that uses violence to control its own people: you have rejected democracy, and I reject you. If democracy were already defeated, the question would be moot. But it is not. Instigating violence against a fairly elected government in the name of democracy can only destroy the thing you wish to defend.
Peace. Truth. Competence. Without a devotion to all three, democracy dies. We can't let that happen.
posted by Stephen Collings at
8:58 PM
1 Comments:
Plaintiffs' lawyers impede economic recovery
Dear Mr. Collings,
I am an Alabama resident.
I think plaintiffs' lawyers impede the country's economic recovery. I also think they undermine business ethics. They particularly stand in the way of sensible medical malpractice reform as a way to lower the nation's health care costs.
I have a blog How To Combat Plaintiffs' Lawyers where I record my efforts to communicate with lawmakers, judges, attorney generals and academics, among others, about how I believe plaintiffs' lawyers ill serve societal interests.
I receive no remuneration for any of my activities. I am not a member of any tort reform organization, chamber of commerce, or any other organization that has an interest in opposing plaintiffs' lawyers.
Congress is debating more stimulus, health care reform, and other governmental action to get our nation's economy back on track, and the country is moving toward the 2010 elections that will be a referendum on how the current Congress performs about these important domestic issues.
I hope you, as a United States Senator or Representative, or as a candidate for the Senate or the House of Representatives, will look at the contribution the plaintiffs' lawyers make to the country's economic difficulties and will consider, advocate and propose legislative action to lessen the problem of the plaintiffs' lawyers.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Robert Shattuck
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