A plea for a more civilized political system

Recently, there have been many discussions about the future of our American democracy. Most of these discussions have been negatively focused on a political party that competes against another political party. For example, our Democratic governor calls California Republicans “a group of extremists” and former President Trump calls Democrats “fascist.” If our two main political parties are unable to work together to run our democratic society, what does the future of America look like?

The general bases for a working democracy focuses on five key characteristics; respect for human rights, respect for the rule of law, citizen participation, a democratic voting system and democratic governance. These features were the basis for creating a new system of governance put forth by our founding fathers. During the time of the creation of our democracy, most countries, around the world, were ruled by kings or emperors. The idea of democracy originated in Ancient Greece in the fifth century B.C.E. During the late 17th century and early 18th century, a number of political philosophers began reforming this idea of government. Founding Fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison began studying the potential of the redevelopment of this form of government for use in America.

Generally, a government is formed for the safety and well-being of its citizens. Good governance includes providing justice for all members of society. The government is also supposed to enhance the idea of peace and freedom for all. This does not always happen. One can look at the support some anarchistic groups like

Antifa and the White Supremacy activists are receiving from groups American citizens.

Finally, it should be the government’s responsibility to uphold the concept of dignity, equality and accountability for all. This includes treating everyone equally, even if you disagree with the point of view that is being asserted. Voltaire’s biographer, Evelyn Beatrice Hall, is quoted as saying, “I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” which enhances this idea of equality.

We all have the right to free speech, as stated in the Bill of Rights. While we may not always agree with what we hear, hearing that statement or idea may strengthen our belief in regard to our own opinion or get us to think differently about that particular issue. Unfortunately, for a group of Americans, this is not the norm.

You are considered a menace to society if you do not adhere to the views of a particular group. How would this have played out during the Constitutional Convention? How would those that were pushing for a new constitution (the Federalist) have treated those that wanted to keep the Articles of Confederation (the Antifederalist)? Would America have been a united country?

We need to get back to a genial form of politics, that being, listening to those whose ideas and opinions are different from ours. We need to use facts and logic to support our thoughts, not just going along with something that we are told. Socrates, a Greek philosopher purposed the idea to “Question Everything.” As a society, we need to embrace this idea and discover the answers to the questions we are expounding. Focusing on political negativity will not change society. It will only add to the current chaos that we are experiencing. Change does not take place without discussion and compromise.