Democracy – A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.
Through school I was always taught that the basic belief of democracy was the belief that the rights of the many outweighed the rights of the few. As kids, we would vote for everything from which game to play to where to eat, of course with the majority vote winning. The outcome of those votes were accepted, even if not loved by all because everyone at least had input.
Recently things are far from the free world in which I grew up. The rights of the few in many corners seem to far outweigh those of the masses. Freedom of speech squelched by small groups who feel they have the right to quiet ideas they do not like. Political rallies shouted down by a handful interfering with the rights of the thousands who attended to hear the speakers. Media outlets turning off microphones to guests daring to disagree. A free and fair media replaced by big money corporations drilling in ideology from both sides relentlessly in a 24 hour news cycle.
The hatred and division are clear in all aspects of our lives, preventing the free flow of ideas. Social media filled with silly memes and those who must post every article they see supporting the ideas they share. Public shaming of people who not too long ago were allowed, even encouraged to live and speak freely. I find it fascinating that as a society we are so concerned about bullying in our schools yet on a too often regular basis otherwise intelligent adults are bullying each other.
I am sad and aggravated. I long for a better time.
Decisions for my Family 