Democracy creates stability in a society: Commentry and Reflection

Commentry in response to article below

"Vote for Choo, because, FedEx we live to deliver!” Doesn’t this sound familiar? Yes, this was my ending sentence of my speech during the Raffles Institution Prefectorial Board Election. As many would have already known, I managed to win much of my school mate’s votes and entered the board successfully! This incident was my first time ever involved in a campaigning process. Well, come to think of it, doesn’t this voting system and speeches remind you of democracy?

In my opinion, democracy, an ideology revolving around liberalism, is a double-edged sword. Despite the benefits it might bring to the society, throughout the years of its development, criticisms have arisen. Well, a dictionary meaning of ‘democracy’ might refer it to a political institution whereby power is vested in the people and exercised through means of representation. I do not completely agree. Granted, it is political foundation. But it is actually the human element which controls its rise or fall.
Stability can be illustrated using the wheels of a tricycle, each referring to social, economic and political stability respectively. They are all largely intertwined with one another, without either one, the country will collapse. Political stability refers to few internal struggles to the society; social stability refers to the satisfaction of the people such that it leads to internal harmony; economic stability refers to the constant financial status of the country.

In the article below, the author discussed about democracy’s limitations. This brings out an important issue- Can democracy lead to stability in a country after all?

The author questions about the tyranny of the majority in democracy. I have to agree with that point. Pondering over this issue, I wonder about the situation I am in,” We are not allowed to vote since we are under 21 yeras old. But, what deprives teenagers and children the chance to vote? Granted, we might be still young and immature, but after all, we are all still part of the country.” Similarly, if I am able to feel injustice over being deprived of the right to have a say in the elections, why wouldn’t the disadvantaged groups? Since democracy is based on the number of votes, wouldn’t the majority oppress the minority? In such a case, the interests of the minority would be compromised, which prompt them to use violence to gain their rights, contributing to social instability. For instance, in Northern Ireland, the population of the Protestants largely outnumbers that of the Catholics. This resulted in a Protestant-dominated government, since more votes are accumulated. Hence, political injustice, such as unequal housing, becomes evident. This made the Catholics to turn towards violence to voice out their rights. As such, turmoil was brewed, which led to the conflict between Protestants and Catholics. But so much said, as quoted from Irving Kristol, “Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions- it only guarantees equality of opportunity.”

The author goes on to express his dislike for democracy,”Stupidity is allowed under our democratic constitution.” A foolish statement, or rather, a sarcastic one? My sentiment says it is the latter. Yes, democracy is created by human beings. But I am sorry; it does not protect us against our folly and mistakes. What I want to highlight here is: Democracy is as much as the human mindset as it is a political institution. But yet, questions are raised. Who can guarantee that one will surely select the right leader? What about the interference of corruption and even bribery?

Recalling from a history lesson, here is an example of a ‘democracy gone wrong’. Hitler, a prominent character in the study of history, brainwashed the people into supporting him during his propaganda campaign. Through his strong use of words, he convinced or rather ‘deceived’ the people to vote for him. The people felt that Hitler was able to tap among millions of Germans. But unfortunately for them, the Nazi Germany caused trouble within the country and brought about instability to the society. This examples indeed illustrates how democracy failed the people, or instead how the people failed themselves with a myopic judgment of Hitler.

Despite the disadvantages, democracy has its beneficial aspect as well.

Seriously, who wouldn’t want to have a say in state’s affairs? This brings us to the most distinct characteristic of democracy- freedom of choice. Besides, it is the people who decide their leader. This situation makes revolts and violence more invulnerable as people tend to be more satisfied with their government. After all, their leaders are the ones whom they select! However, we have to realize that democracy is not the work of one generation but many. As long as current board of leaders maintain the support of the people through effective policies, no unnecessary changes, which would inevitably disrupt the political stability of the society, would be required.

A good example would be Singapore. Throughout these years, the PAP has always won most of the seats during elections. This reveals the trust Singaporeans have in their government. Thus, this allowed Singapore to expand freely without any political disruptions, which makes them one of the most developed countries in the word. Well, should there been a change in government, I am afraid it would indeed hinder Singapore’s progress, as there would definitely be a significant change in policies and even the aims of the country.

Being a Singaporean, I am tremendously glad that Singapore has maintained stability throughout these years. I remembered once when I was 8 years old, during the 2002 elections, my mother mentioned to me on what democracy means to the people. Recalling the ‘lecture’ which had been firmly etched in my mind, “Democracy means freedom, democracy gives us the power. Indeed, who wouldn’t want to elect their own leader? Wouldn’t that lead to a better society to live in? Son, when you grow up, you will have a chance to vote. But remember, do not be influenced. Use your own judgment. Be sure to make the right choice. The power is in would be in your hands. ” What impactful words my mother used, especially emphasizing on the point the fate of the country lies in our hands. At that time, I did not completely understand what my mother said. But now, I definitely do. So critical are the choices of the people that it controls the country’s destiny. Eight years down the road, my chance to vote during elections has not arrived yet. Yes, I am disappointed but certainly looking forward to it. It would be a memorable moment; to participate in the electing of the government for the first time. Being part of this country, I would definitely want to choose the leader of my choice! I guess I will have to be patient.

Democracy, government and citizens are 3 major components which are interlinked together into a vicous cycle. Democracy acts as a foundation for the people to make choices and to decide on the destiny of their country. It is the people who determine the how the society turns out to be. Not only must the citizens make the right choice, the leaders have to uphold the ideals of democracy and not misinterpret them. This will lead to stability in a society. In the long run, democracy will gain more recognition as an ideal political institution, which would make it more accepted in the modern society of ours.

Come to think of it, perhaps, democracy is merely a stepping stone for people to develop. Whether it brings stability or not, it all depends on the human factor.

Democracy creates stability in a society.

This is the article which I am commenting on.


Two Cheers for Good Old, Sloppy Democracy
Friday, Nov. 10, 2000 By RICHARD STENGEL

Democracy isn't pretty.

We're lucky — we think negative campaign ads, fat-cat fund-raisers and an overzealous media are the nastiest things in a democracy.

Things are dicey in West Palm. But compared to what? To Joseph McCarthy, to the Civil War, to the incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II? We've hit a speed bump, we're not in a head-on collision.

Things are so much easier in totalitarian systems. As Joseph Stalin once noted, it's not who votes that matters, but who counts the votes. In authoritarian societies, the government tells people how to vote and then they count the votes and then they win. It's so much neater and less confusing that way. You don't need butterfly ballots when there is only one person to vote for.
Democracy means the people rule. The ancient Greeks invented it, but they were very skeptical about it. Plato thought it far too unruly. Equality was dangerous, he said. If everyone is equal to everyone else, there is no order. To Plato, democracy was mob rule. If he were around and looking at Palm Beach County, he'd be saying, I told you so.

In our democracy, as the founders noted, every man is a king. (Of course, women didn't count in those days.) That can get to be a problem. One king is simple; 100 million kings is chaotic. Let every voice be heard is the rule in democracy, but it makes for cacophony, not harmony. "Democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention," said James Madison, who helped create ours.

What's going on in Florida is not pretty. But it is democratic. At the same time, we have to be careful. Al Smith once famously said that all the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy. I don't think that's true in Palm Beach. What's going on there can only be cured by reason and common sense.

In a democracy, we count votes, we do not weigh them. But the last and final votes counted, like the ones in Palm Beach county, seem like they have more weight. They don't. It only seems that way. There are a thousand other counties in this country that if you put them under the microscope would look as nasty as Palm Beach.

The Constitution has remedies for fraud and injustice, but not for incompetence and sloppiness. I'm afraid that stupidity is allowed under our democratic constitution. Yes, that butterfly ballot is awfully confusing — and I'll tell you why: It was created by a human being. But the Constitution does not protect us against our own folly and our own mistakes; no one and nothing can do that. Sorry, there are no "do-overs" in a democracy.

"We want democracy fulfilled," said Gore campaign chairman Bill Daley. It's a lovely idea, but an impossible one. In a country that seems to promise everyone life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, someone is always going to feel gypped.

Oh, you voted twice, but you meant to vote only once for the candidate of your choice? It's too bad, but there is really nothing you can do about it. It's human error, and there's no remedy for that. We've just got to live with it. There will be no winners even when Florida is resolved.
John Adams once said that there never was a democracy that did not commit suicide. We're having a bit of an anxiety attack; let's not drive off a cliff.



*The red words indicate the main points of this article. The green bold,italicized word shows the writer's main POV of democracy.

Social Studies Blog Assignment

"DEMOCRACY BRINGS ABOUT STABILITY".

Please comment.

Thanks.

Personal Commentary: Teenage and Social Issues

Teenagers tend to go through a phase, famously known to parents as rebellion, in some stage of their life. Is this a sign of growing up or on the contrary. an indication of the lack of upbringing?

This personal commentary is in response of the following articles.

• BBC World Service http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/articles/emotions/teenagers/rebellion.shtml
• The International Herald Tribune http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/05/03/arts/IDLEDE5.php

Synopsis: The articles are about the causes which might trigger the rebellious nature of teenagers and provides newer perspecitve, with the hope of enlightening them of what changes thier chidren might be undergoing.

"Oh, come on. Fight for your rights." That was my mentality at THAT moment. All of a sudden, I stormed towards the door, kicked it open and shouted “Dad, Mum. I WANT to go out with my friends. I have grown up. WILL you stop making decisions for me?" And I am serious. I did not know what I was doing, it all happened so quickly. It was as if a voice was "pushing" me to have my freedom.

Well, is this otherwise known to parents as, rebellion? Something which parents seemingly detest a lot? The point is, can parents understand what is going through in teenagers' minds?

Citing what Dr Jayne. Major, an expert in parenting education, said about teenage rebellion.

" Where teenagers are being pulled into... I'm an adult you
can't tell me what do to. I know everything and being pushed into... I'm just a
little baby, I don't know...pay for everything, do everything, and take care of
me. So it's conflicting emotions that they experience.”

I agree with the above. It is the contradictory ideas of who they are that makes them confused as to how they should live ther lives.

The problem intensifies when the parents begin objecting to every single decision that their child makes. My god, who wouldn't feel frustrated not having his own freedom. How can the parents be so unreasonable in controlling their child's movement such that he is virtually like a captured bird in a cage? Thus, in a bid to assert their independence as teenagers, they purposely defy the instructions of their parents. Only to feel their eardrums rattle from the incessant scoldings.

I question the intent of the parents. What do they hope to achieve with such tight control of their children? Imagine being in a remote-controlled car. You cannot do anything for yourself. In such a case, what difference is the child from a non-living thing?

Teenage Rebellion is part and parcel of maturity- the ability to make decisions on their own, the strength to admit what they have done wrong. It comes and it goes. As statistics reveal, teenagers, especially boys, have this rebellious tendency around 13, peak at 17 and diminishes by early adulthood. Should the parents overly restrict the freedom of their child,

Will he be exposed to the world?

No.

Will he grow up?

No.

Will he remain as a spoilt bred?

Yes.

Now, some of you may think that it is the responsibility of the parents to take care of their child. But watch the words I use- "Take Care". "Taking Care" is different from "Control". Let us view it in this manner. There is a limit to what parents can do, just like the amount of food one can eat. Once over the border, frustration of the kid will boil over, like over-eating causes you a stomach ache.

What parent should do is to pay special attention to their teenage child. Understand your child. Feel his heart. Talk out your problems with one another, not controlling his actions, but unleashing the power of parental love.

Recent research suggests that bad teenage behaviour is a sign of healthy personality. So, is teenage rebellion necessarily a bad thing? I doubt so. For you know, it might be a blessing in disguise.

Blog created for English Assignment

Well, I guess every Sec 3 has to create a blog for the English Assignment. So, here is mine. :)