In the last few days, in one form or other, we have witnessed the frighteningly negative side of the institutions of democracy we hold, or are told to hold, so dear.
Assuming that democracy is the ideal we should aspire to, then I wonder if we are missing the point. Or maybe the ideal is wrong, and a new way needs to be found.
The principle of a voice for everyone is sound in itself. And, for practical purposes, to organise that into a structure of time-limited representation makes sense. And even the departmentalising of the representation to take into account a regional emphasis seems fair.
So, the USA is split into State legislatures, the UK has devolved powers to Scotland and Wales, as well as local county and town or parish councils.
Representation, bureaucratic and clumsy, but a form that has evolved, been fought for, been compromised over. But representation.
And as long as it is not abused, or misinterpreted, then it has a function, sometimes even for progress. It may stutter, it may, from time to time, exaggerate those rumbling grievances that should have gone long ago, but it can provide a framework, a method, a means to a compromising end.
But it can also be exploited, especially when large numbers lose faith in the structure, and those who maintain it.
Regional division has led, through the use of the main pillar of democracy – one person one vote – to violence and a larger gulf between state and region in Catalonia.
And on a more basic and fundamental level, to scores killed, and hundred injured, in Las Vegas.
The Constitution, the mainstay of the US democratic edifice, is an ancient document, with deep historical interest, and valid precepts, but surely with room for judicious editing.
There have been amendments over time, otherwise the US would be an even more unequal place than it is at present. But, the right to bear arms? Even some who survived unscathed from the downpour of bullets still retain an obstinate belief in this right.
Of all the countries in the world, the US is the safest as far as external foes are concerned. Their biggest threat is from themselves. And the cold logic of the numbers killed as a by-product of the 2nd Amendment doesn’t seem to dent the commitment to having a terrifyingly over-armed citizenship.
So, as a principle democracy may have its place, but at every point where it is used to justify behaviour, action or inaction, or self-serving inflation – Brexit anyone – its validity diminishes.
We have a stark choice fast approaching. Either we accept the real principles of democracy, and ensure they are not abused by any interest group but serve us all – it’s called compromise; or we look to something else.
The Tories are already working hard on their own alternative – an interesting twist on fascism.
Personally, I could be tempted by a good dose of anarchy, just to clear the air. Then we can see what is left worth saving.
And the way things are going, that residue is looking more diminished by the day.
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