Do we still value democracy?
Do people in North America still support democracy? This is an urgent question as Canadians face a turning point in history, a place where brute force and ignorance are making democratic debate impossible. But in this era of dangerous chaos, the right wing of our political house appears disinterested in meaningful discussion: “A fire in the kitchen? Not our problem, we’re safe down here in the man-cave.”
We can thank Medicine Hat News for doing their part, by providing a debating forum, but the exchange has stalled in a partisan standoff. Dialogue seems stuck, unproductive. The debate isn’t working and a couple of editorial writers have identified the problem: you need two sides willing to talk.
Peter Mueller makes a case for the reasoned exchange of ideas. Like a Johnny Appleseed of democracy, he sees himself casting pebbles into a pond, hoping for ripples that will generate meaningful discussion. He is optimistic that others standing on the shore will pick up their own pebbles and follow suit. Unfortunately, some of those people aren’t interested in debate and instead aim their pebbles and stones at Mr. Mueller’s head.
The most extreme elements are now speaking for the conservative movement, and they see debate as a weapon, not a constructive tool. Dave Bahnmiller identifies the problem simply, saying that our discussions have “no dialogue.” True reasoned debate is only possible when the discussion begins with known facts based on research. This is a bridge too far for those on the extreme right wing of politics.
Bahnmiller ends his column by identifying the main cause in the breakdown of our dialogues. Conservatives, he says, are increasingly viewed as holding opinions that are “wilfully ignorant.” Presented with carefully researched data on contentious issues, today’s conservatives too often simply deny the existence of fact and ignore any argument built on evidence. This knee-jerk reaction has come to full flower in the U.S.
Contemporary conservatives to the south have gone rogue and taken up residence on the fringe of politics: they now see democracy as an obstacle or threat to their personal power and wealth. What they do want these days is an autocracy or oligarchy, with power centralized in the hands of one person. Donald Trump has no interest in discussion. His steady stream of lies, fabrications and distortions is always on the menu.
Some Canadian conservatives find the American model attractive. Paul McLennan, a frequent contributor to the News, offers us Trump as a role model, making me wonder if he really values democracy. Trump’s agenda is clear: to make America safe for autocratic corporatism. He stands ready to become the first kingly president as the chaos he creates unfolds. In his world, civilized discussion is neutered: truth is false, he says, and good is evil, words are unimportant. The ultimate prize from the beginning is the twoheaded beast, power and wealth. Meanwhile democracy becomes nothing more than a trophy head on the wall.
In Canada, we had a taste of rewarmed meals, thanks to the previous federal government. The prime minister worked hard to control the message, to limit information from investigative journalists and scientists. We were alarmed when the agenda became clear, and did a reset on our government and our democracy. Canadians, it seems, do want to discuss the facts.
Lyle Weis is a writer of books, articles and stories who loves history and good conversation.