Democracy.
There’s a word. Borrowed from the Greek, yes. Demos: the people.
Much is currently being said about the supposed fragility of our various democracies in the English-speaking world.
The commentariat’s click-bait would have you believe we are on the precipice, on a dangerous slide into that double-A oblivion: anarchy and authoritarianism.
They are wrong.
Our respective democratic chambers are all safe, in the UK, the House of Commons; in Ireland, the Dáil Éireann; in the United States, the House of Representatives and the Senate; in Canada, the House of Commons; in Australia, the House of Representatives and the Senate; and in New Zealand, the House of Representatives.
They will stand for a very long time. They reflect a vibrancy and activism of which those in Bhutan or China can only dream.
Next time you see a photo of your national parliament or congress, or state or provincial chambers, even your local government, pause.
You live in countries with the world’s oldest democracies.
You live is comparative freedom.
And you can influence work is sent to these places to govern you.
Democracy.
Throw your hands in the air if so moved.
But fight for it.
Cherish it.
