 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Membership
|
The Real Advantage of DemocracyResearchers at Oxford Research International recently surveyed more than 2,500 citizens from all over Iraq. This particular survey question says a lot:
The options say much about the state of the world: the real advantage of Democracy does not appear. In our culture the real advantage isn't considered a likely component of Democracy. What is essential is that in society Democracy fixes a permanent ongoing process to find a better way of doing things and allows citizens to try it. Phrased another way, it codifies humility -- that even when you think you're right, there is the possibility that you just might be wrong. From this understanding it becomes clear why freedom of speech is essential. It drives the spark for education. Tolerance begins here, because a good idea can come from anywhere. Equally, since a bad idea can come from anywhere, the skill to examine and evaluate becomes pivotal. Democracy means learning from experience. Yet if you look at official educational standards, you'll discover this is not taught. For all the money spent on education, all the advanced degree requirements for teachers, and all the standards set for students, bureaucrats overlook how important it is to teach, what, why and how. Great teachers instinctively teach to these ideas and poor ones, no matter their credentials, never will. Politicians and elected leaders, too, overlook its importance. In place of thoughtful discourse, they promote gut reaction using pointless platitudes. Even the most international of organizations, the United Nations has a charter designed to overlook when member states should forfeit sovereignty because they have no internal process for peaceful change. This survey, then, tells us as much about ourselves as it does about Iraqis. It tells us the coalition is in Iraq for good reason, even if the United Nations can't understand why it should have been leading the effort. It describes a framework for successful civilization and compels us to face terror down wherever it calls home. It tells us we'd better figure out what is important and why before we lose it for ourselves. This is a simple lesson, accessible to children... but not yet instinctive to adults.
[Macro error: Can't find a sub-table named "commentIt".]
|
|
||
|
