Not Your Representatives By Stephen Wise
It has been said that we live in a representative democracy in which we democratically elect people who represent us. Indeed, many of the structures are in place that could allow this to happen. We have semi-democratic elections, and procedures that allow those we elect to represent us.
But even if structures remain for now, it is clear to me that we no longer live in a representative democracy, at least in spirit, for the following reasons. The most important of these relates to cooperation. No government can function as intended when its members don't cooperate with each other for the good of all.
The worst lack of cooperation happens when political decisions are not driven by what is best for the country but are driven by what would defeat what the opposing party is trying to accomplish. This happened during the 8 years of the Obama administration with prime examples being what are considered by some as Obama's achievements- the nuclear treaty with Iraq and the healthcare act that derisively bears his name.
But the 2016 presidential election, its prelude, and aftermath, have transformed a dysfunctional democracy into a burgeoning autocracy. It is evident that promoting the good of the American people is at best only indirectly the goal of whatever Trumpists strive to accomplish. Directly, Trump is motivated by his own vanity, and Republicans are motivated by increasing their own power and that of their party. Many are also guided by the conservative myth, as they, not William Buckley understand it. And some align conservatism and Republicanism with Christianity. They say in striving for these values, they're doing what's best for all.
Tribalism and Partisanship set the political agenda as the presumed modus operandi. Evident facts or facts that would be evident with a little research are sidestepped if they don't advance the partisan purpose. We assume that every American and the U.S. as a whole should pursue its own interests without even law, facts, honesty, or reasoning to keep us in check. There is no reality check among the checks and balances.
Each side advocates for its own position like a courtroom lawyer and only brings up evidence that supports its cause. Sometimes the judiciary branch does mediate but increasingly, that branch has become partisanized. But most of the time, rhetoric is used having no foundation in fact or practicality. The rule of law is thrown under the bus as partisan "representatives", only concerned for themselves, abandon the rest. Aren't we better than this?
It has been said that we live in a representative democracy in which we democratically elect people who represent us. Indeed, many of the structures are in place that could allow this to happen. We have semi-democratic elections, and procedures that allow those we elect to represent us.
But even if structures remain for now, it is clear to me that we no longer live in a representative democracy, at least in spirit, for the following reasons. The most important of these relates to cooperation. No government can function as intended when its members don't cooperate with each other for the good of all.
The worst lack of cooperation happens when political decisions are not driven by what is best for the country but are driven by what would defeat what the opposing party is trying to accomplish. This happened during the 8 years of the Obama administration with prime examples being what are considered by some as Obama's achievements- the nuclear treaty with Iraq and the healthcare act that derisively bears his name.
But the 2016 presidential election, its prelude, and aftermath, have transformed a dysfunctional democracy into a burgeoning autocracy. It is evident that promoting the good of the American people is at best only indirectly the goal of whatever Trumpists strive to accomplish. Directly, Trump is motivated by his own vanity, and Republicans are motivated by increasing their own power and that of their party. Many are also guided by the conservative myth, as they, not William Buckley understand it. And some align conservatism and Republicanism with Christianity. They say in striving for these values, they're doing what's best for all.
Tribalism and Partisanship set the political agenda as the presumed modus operandi. Evident facts or facts that would be evident with a little research are sidestepped if they don't advance the partisan purpose. We assume that every American and the U.S. as a whole should pursue its own interests without even law, facts, honesty, or reasoning to keep us in check. There is no reality check among the checks and balances.
Each side advocates for its own position like a courtroom lawyer and only brings up evidence that supports its cause. Sometimes the judiciary branch does mediate but increasingly, that branch has become partisanized. But most of the time, rhetoric is used having no foundation in fact or practicality. The rule of law is thrown under the bus as partisan "representatives", only concerned for themselves, abandon the rest. Aren't we better than this?
Thank you for expressing your viewpoint. I'm curious how Charismatic Christian can respond...where is the Holy Spirit in all this? Is He driving you to engage more in the public sphere, to prayer, other actions?
ReplyDeleteGood questions, unknown. These will be the subject of future blogs during Lent!
Delete