Democracy is a process that involves several components, all of which are necessary, but none of which is sufficient. This is how it works.
The majority of people,
Over time,
Given access to enough accurate information,
And the ability to participate in a free and open debate,
Reach decisions that will,
-Benefit the whole of society,
-Preserve liberty,
-Extend equality,
-Protect freedom, and
-Defend democracy.
Not all the time, and sometimes there are periods of backsliding--or much worse. And if the information is fraudulent propaganda, then the decisions are skewed. But if you don’t think this process works, then you don’t really believe in a democracy.
Democracy scares me sometimes, but that’s OK. Democracy is messy and chaotic.
The title of a recent book by sociologist Francesca Polletta on progressive social movements was titled Freedom is an Endless Meeting. That’s the joke line from 60’s civil rights activists who turned around the slogan “Freedom is an Endless Struggle”—probably while sitting in a meeting.
The point is, democracy takes work, and it is participatory or it is not real democracy.
That’s what this blog is going to talk about.
