How often have we pondered about the definition of democracy? The answer is mercurial, as is the concept. The established rationale is a government “of the people, by the people, for the people”, but is it that simple? After the fall of Athens, democracy lay dormant for 2,000 years, until the Age of Enlightenment, but it was only in the 18th century with the American Revolution, that a sustainable democracy was reproduced. Everyone wished to emulate its ideas and ideals, “one man, one vote”, but that too defies definition. Does the election of the majority silence the voice of the minority? Now that the dust has settled across the pond, and the US is done with its grinding mid-term elections of certain governors, senators and congressmen, we are shocked to discover that this simple democratic process cost over $52 billion. Why? Why is any money spent at all to get a citizen to vote for his/her representative? Has democracy failed or have we failed to adhere to a concept we hardly understand? Undoubtedly there are as many loopholes in a democracy as there are in other forms of government. Even way back during the heyday of Athens, it had its proponents as well as its opponents. Plato was strongly opposed to it, “Democracy passes into nepotism”. Was he right? What if this one man and this one vote is paid for. Is this the ideal form of government, giving up essential liberties for a little money, a few favours? What respect can the voter have for the chosen representative or his government when it is reduced to a quid pro quo affair. Celebrities stroll in one by one to campaign on behalf of their candidates. Is that their business? The beloved TV celebrity Oprah Winfrey, campaigning for a female candidate for governor of Georgia, urged her adoring fans to go out and vote. “The right to vote is the most precious gift, a crown on your head.” Among the howling cheers did anyone stop to wonder if this “crown” is bought and paid for by an interested party? How majestic does that make you feel? The measure of democracy is the measure of the freedom of its humblest citizen… that is his majesty. Rich mega moguls fill the coffers of their picked parties. Some give to both, for what? Of course for something in return if their party wins. As in all politics, democracy is a complex, dirty game dominated by political donations, vested interests, personal ambitions, by class, power and most of all money. What happened to equality? Corruption is the result and what form of government is not mired in corruption — communism, fascism, despotism, monarchy, autocracy, oligarchy — need we go on? Democracy was supposed to be the termination not the revival of such practices. Its means maybe more skilful, but how else can you afford the extravagant campaigns, ads, rallies, posters, pins, crowds — hamburgers, hot dogs and popcorn? You have won the man and his vote. These “democratic” practices are not unique to the US. The EU, Australia and 26 other countries are no paragons of democracy. Similar methods are applied, only on a smaller scale. Who can afford a $10,000 dinner plate as a fund-raiser? Watch who attends them. They are your representatives. Is politics only for the rich? Does not democracy promote equality or freedom? Fund-raising from the rich and famous is a relatively new exercise. Why, George Washington would shake in his grave if he heard of such shameless financial deals in his beloved democracy. Those were the good old days when in the fledgling democracy, politicians were noble representatives of the people, no campaigns, ads or rallies. They formed gatherings, gave speeches and answered questions of concerned citizens. At most some whiskey was offered, but whiskey is now illegal; soliciting money from billionaires is not. Andrew Jackson was the first president (1829-1837) who started this practice. Without a prestigious family, an extensive education or personal wealth, he thought of harnessing the power of the media, making it a powerful tool in the elective process. What he did was let the monster out of the cage, for the media now plays the most important role in a campaign and much as many would like, the monster will not re-enter his cage. It was once said that “there are two things that are important in politics. The first is money and I can't remember the second.” That says it all. Any position can be bought even in a democracy. Congress has passed several laws to limit donations, but all it has accomplished is the Political Action Committee (PAC) or now Super PAC which allows members, labour unions, trade organizations and other social interest groups to raise money and produce ads on behalf of the politician. It only produced an explosion in political spending, what they call Dark Money. The result is the record-breaking billions of dollars spent on a mid-term election, a 35 per cent increase over 2014. Some money is needed to run a campaign but should a ceiling be required to thwart political influence and ensure equality, and perhaps save democracy? Is democracy about to self-destruct by its extravagances? Socialism is raising its evil head, China is gaining power, and “a nation that values money more than freedom, will lose both.” Many doubt that democracy will last. If not democracy, what will? 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“Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.” Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
