The Turn of The Screw
Throughout pretty much all of human history, democracy has been the laughingstock of political systems.
"Did you ever take a good look at the citizenry?" Other political systems would say. "I mean, "The
People" can barely spell democracy, let alone participate in one."
And so, other political systems flourished, especially monarchies. Who could pass up having a king who ruled by divine right? That seemed a far better process, especially if you wanted to get stuff done, like invading another country, taxing the people to death or burning witches at the stake.
Yes, democracy was the butt of many a joke, compelling other systems of governance to have a good laugh at democracy's expense.
But, eventually, as the wealth of a nation increases and more and more of the public become educated, demanding rights is, more often than not, the outcome. This process might take centuries, but it is the way in which marginalized people the world over became "The People" living in democratic societies.
Here's a simple historical, verifiable truth; wealth creation eventually leads to freedom. Look at the evolution of any democracy and you'll see what I mean. Once people become self-sufficient and educated, they tend to throw off the shackles of oppression. This was precisely the process that elevated African Americans and women in the U.S., as well.
The worm, however, eventually turns as "The People" demand more rights and privileges, as well as a bigger piece of the pie. So, they empower politicians to go get it for them.
"Hey, you see those people over there? Yeah, those people with all the money. Get us some of their money." The People say.
The politicians are generally all too happy to oblige. With one caveat, they'll need a bit more power, with some new taxes, to help pay for the task of getting other folk's money.
"The People" can now do what kings and rulers have done for millennia, they can use the power of the State to do their bidding. This they do by giving more and more power to the State, who happily says: "Don't worry about it, we've got your back. You don't have to be concerned about us, because really, were just like you. Oh, and one more thing, we need some more power and some more taxes. Again. That's if you want us to keep getting you stuff. It takes money and power to get the stuff, lots of it, in fact.
So, over time "The People" slip back into their shackles because they don't feel like shackles. They feel warm and comfortable, like an old pair of shoes. Besides, they've got plenty of stuff to keep them busy, occupied as all rulers tend to be, once they have an abundance of stuff. This completes the turn of the worm, who finds itself back where it started. Living under the thumb of benevolent kings, who rule by divine right. It's then that the other political systems say "See, we told you, The People can't govern themselves. What a maroon!" And they laugh heartily, assured that all is, as it should be.
Mark Magula
"Did you ever take a good look at the citizenry?" Other political systems would say. "I mean, "The
People" can barely spell democracy, let alone participate in one."
And so, other political systems flourished, especially monarchies. Who could pass up having a king who ruled by divine right? That seemed a far better process, especially if you wanted to get stuff done, like invading another country, taxing the people to death or burning witches at the stake.
Yes, democracy was the butt of many a joke, compelling other systems of governance to have a good laugh at democracy's expense.
But, eventually, as the wealth of a nation increases and more and more of the public become educated, demanding rights is, more often than not, the outcome. This process might take centuries, but it is the way in which marginalized people the world over became "The People" living in democratic societies.
Here's a simple historical, verifiable truth; wealth creation eventually leads to freedom. Look at the evolution of any democracy and you'll see what I mean. Once people become self-sufficient and educated, they tend to throw off the shackles of oppression. This was precisely the process that elevated African Americans and women in the U.S., as well.
The worm, however, eventually turns as "The People" demand more rights and privileges, as well as a bigger piece of the pie. So, they empower politicians to go get it for them.
"Hey, you see those people over there? Yeah, those people with all the money. Get us some of their money." The People say.
The politicians are generally all too happy to oblige. With one caveat, they'll need a bit more power, with some new taxes, to help pay for the task of getting other folk's money.
"The People" can now do what kings and rulers have done for millennia, they can use the power of the State to do their bidding. This they do by giving more and more power to the State, who happily says: "Don't worry about it, we've got your back. You don't have to be concerned about us, because really, were just like you. Oh, and one more thing, we need some more power and some more taxes. Again. That's if you want us to keep getting you stuff. It takes money and power to get the stuff, lots of it, in fact.
So, over time "The People" slip back into their shackles because they don't feel like shackles. They feel warm and comfortable, like an old pair of shoes. Besides, they've got plenty of stuff to keep them busy, occupied as all rulers tend to be, once they have an abundance of stuff. This completes the turn of the worm, who finds itself back where it started. Living under the thumb of benevolent kings, who rule by divine right. It's then that the other political systems say "See, we told you, The People can't govern themselves. What a maroon!" And they laugh heartily, assured that all is, as it should be.
Mark Magula