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Do you want a democracy or a republic?

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Two recent events occurred in the past week that truly brought home to me the political hatred that is so prevalent in today’s American society.

The first was an email that I received that made the absolute ridiculous claim that all of the perpetrators of recent gun violence in the U.S. were, in fact, liberal democrats and that, instead of banning guns, we should, instead, ban liberal democrats.

The second was some of the comments after the President was supposedly sent a ricin laced letter, in which, some people expressed disappointment that he did not open the letter or that they were sorry that he did not die.

Now some will say that this is meant to be a joke, but some conservatives say this stuff out of pure hatred and they truly feel this way.  Now, it is just as bad on the other side of our political aisle, but I do not understand it.  We, as a nation, have always had political differences, but there used to be sense of cooperation and compromise between these factions and that most people were not truly 100% conservative thinkers or 100% liberal thinkers.

By definition, a democracy is a government of the masses and is derived by mass meeting or any form of direct expression.  Mass meetings like what was held throughout Germany prior to and during the World War II have now been replaced with “mass media.”  One man’s ideals or statements are instantly spread via social networks and other means.  The problem with this is that regardless if these statements are conservative or liberal, in nature, it results in mobocracy.  Mobocracy: 1. Political control by a mob. 2. The mass of common people as the source of political control.  Attitude toward law is that the will of the majority shall regulate. Whether it be based upon deliberation or governed by passion, prejudice, and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences.  It can then result in agitation, discontent, and anarchy.

Democracy is the “direct” rule of the people and since it is the majority rule, it does not represent “liberty” because there is no law to prevent the majority from trampling on individual rights. Whatever the majority says goes!  A lynch mob is an example of pure democracy in action.  There is only one dissenting vote, and that is cast by the person at the end of the rope.

A republic, on the other hand, is authority is derived through the election by the people of public officials best fitted to represent them.  Attitude toward law is the administration of justice in accordance with fixed principles and established evidence, with a strict regard to consequences.  It avoids both extremes of tyranny or mob reaction, which results in statesmanship, liberty, reason, justice, contentment, and progress.  It is the “standard form” of government throughout the world.  A republic is a form of government under a constitution which provides for the election of: an executive, a legislative body, a judiciary, and certain individual rights.  Our Constitutional fathers defined our nation as a representative republican form of government.

A republic is a government of law under a Constitution. The Constitution holds the government in check and prevents the majority (acting through their government) from violating the rights of the individual.

In closing, be you a conservative or a liberal, be careful what you wish for.  As I pointed out, a democracy ruled by mob mentality occurs when there is only one voice being heard.  Learn to listen and respect the views of the other side.  You need not agree with them, but without opposing views, we have nothing.

The shame is that we as a nation only want “our” side to win at all cost and it is no longer about compromise and working together for the betterment of this republic.  I am neither a conservative nor a liberal.  I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat.  I do not always agree with the actions of President Obama, nor did I always agree with the actions of former President Bush…but I never wished them any harm.

I am just one man, who was taught, by my father, to respect God, the flag, and our nation



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