It is this authors opinion that the progress of democracy is inevitable. I also believe that it is the best form of government for all people’s worldwide. Additionally, I wholeheartedly support efforts to educate, advocate and promote peaceful democracy worldwide. However, war is a terrible thing and as we learned in our own Revolution and Civil War a great many people die prematurely for something which is so inevitable that we do not need bloodshed for its achievement. And for those conservative pundits who argue with me on this, well! Have you been in the US military? Is your child in the US military? Have you been confronted with the agony of mobilization and deployment? Yes, I have and so have my children. So, before we go wrapping everything in the flag, let’s talk. Okay.
Democracy has many forms, including limited democracy such as a real monarchy, and on to parliamentary democracy and a Republic like the USA. However, there is not one form that fits all societies. A tribal system such as Libya and Iraq may not be historically, culturally or ethnically suited for USA style democracy. Rather, ethnic, cultural, religious and societal uniqueness may require that democracy be tailored to the local situation.
And I completely agree that many societies in the Middle East of our world are seeking a greater form of democratic society. However, in distinction from my colleagues, I suggest that democracy was and is inevitable in these societies and that the modern interconnected Internet world, would and will, sooner than later, achieve that democracy, worldwide. However, in many countries and societal situations the so-called “powerful” need to learn the new methods of power and government. It is my belief that they would have, and they will learn the modern way without violence, bloodshed and death. It is inevitable.
But, many object, that in the societies of the Middle East, it is taking too long. First, I ask you, if you are a citizen of the country you criticise? If not, shut up. It is none of your business and don’t spout the crap about “you are your brothers keeper”. When you leave your USA armchair and travel to the streets of the struggle and face the bullets, then maybe, and only maybe, then you will have a little right to speak. Hey, brother, please don’t tell me what I must die for. You die in my place, okay? And then, I will religiously lay a wreath at your grave. Deal?
It is this author’s opinion that much of the violence and the death happening worldwide and especially in the Mid East is caused by geopolitical aims and seeks to falsely use democracy as the excuse for the extension of a western economic imperial model that has nothing to do with the “quality of life” of the protagonists and a lot to do with the wealth and continued economic imperialism of western governments and corporations.
Rather, let’s not arm the rebels. Let’s educate them on civil organization and political reality. But, you say, that we tried that and it failed. Did it? In my opinion, it did not fail. It simply did not meet our expectations. We will need to extend our timelines and get real about what is possible now and what can only be achieved later.
Friends, I will not dictate that for which you must die. Rather, I will do everything I can to promote your freedom within the context, society and culture in which you live. In the end, the result will be the same because freedom and I believe, democracy, are inevitable.
Progressive Politics 