State of Our Democracy

The famed playwright Oscar Wilde once state that, "America is the only country to go from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between." While this quote may be harsh towards the United States, it is not entirely unwarranted. After the November elections, I find myself truly doubting the state of our democracy. After all, democracy is only as good as its electorate; which, I view with suspicion. The US often presents itself as the poster child for what a democratic society looks like and judges the rest of the world according to what we think is the correct form of governance. While it is admirable that many of our citizens want to ensure that others around the world have the same opportunity to participate in government as we do, perhaps we should be more introspective of how our government really functions. For example, our recent elections have ensured that there is going to be political gridlock for the next two years as both parties are looking to the 2012 elections. At the time of this generation's greatest need, our country will be dominated by political posturing and ineffectiveness. If our democratic process is to be so lauded, then why do we lag behind the rest of the industrialized world in education, environmental reform, health care and other social programs, and acceptance of homosexuals in society? Why do we spend more on military spending than any other country in the world when our two neighbors are Canada and Mexico? What does it say about our political process that elects a person of the calibre of George W. Bush, potentially places an ill-informed and incompetent individual like Sarah Palin one heartbeat away from the presidency, or that fosters the rise of the counterproductive Tea Party Movement? Our government is so fractured and misguided that it is highly questionable as to whether our democracy can see us through this economic downturn.

Many of our European counterparts have strong democracies that continue to make gains and progress with respect to their economic concerns. What makes them different from us? I believe a major difference lies in a cultural and historic understanding that is embedded within their national identities. Unlike the US, many European countries have long histories spanning many centuries. As a result, they have an established and shared history that promotes unity, cooperation, strong political institutions, and international awareness. Granted, many of these attributes have only come about through a long period of evolution and maturation, but they have proven to be time tested. Many democratic countries have taken the long road to democracy traveling through oligarchies, monarchies/dictators, constitutional monarchies, etc. These countries have been tried through fire and have come out stronger for it. Not only have many of these democracies had to fight to maintain and sustain their forms of government, but they have also experienced trials as they transitioned to them. The US on the other hand was able to bypass all of these forms of government once it gained independence from Great Britain. Sure, America has had to fight FOR our democracy, but never (since the beginning) to OBTAIN it. One could argue that the strong sense of individualism and entitlement has led to a country that is both in decline and culturally stagnate.

If we are to get a true sense of what democracy is, then perhaps we should look to countries like England where students were protesting a rise in tuition, Ireland where many are visibly angered over severe austerity measures that are being implemented to curtail budget costs, or France that is undergoing similar measures. One could immediately point out that these countries have not displayed anything resembling unity with such fractious measures permeating their societies and are a poor example of a desired democracy. However, it can also be argued that despite the debates and discontent, these governments still find a way forward and do what is necessary to meet the challenges. At the end of the day, despite great difficulty in many instances, people are able to come together and place the interests of their nation ahead of their own. Even those that strongly protest their government's policies realize their importance in aiding that very government. The reason for this is that a larger majority of our democratic counterparts are better educated and attuned to the affairs of their nation. As a result, the "radicals" are kept on the fringe instead (like our government) in the center of the political sphere. I have talked to many Republicans in this country that voted and inquired as to their reasons as to why they voted as they did. It quickly became apparent that many have not read any reports by the CBO (Congressional Budget Office), economists, voting records, etc. All many could state were mere talking points that they have picked up from Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh and therefore void of any real content. I do not mind those who may disagree with me over various issues, but at least make a point to be informed about your views. I find it a very scary prospect that so many uninformed American's are able to vote and hold political office. I am thoroughly convinced that democracy is not something that people are entitled to, it is something that they have to earn. That is what I believe is the main difference between our European counterparts and us.