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Demiinferno
 December 12 2024
I view democracy as a series of simultaneous conversations — dialogues if you will — between Freedom and responsibility, right and duties, individuality and community. Therefore, the core values that deserve a permanent place in the foundation of western societies have to be principles that leave room for both sides of each conversation. Democracy, in its most basic form, is all about freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from torture. However, this freedom should not be left unchecked, especially in this digital age where the line that exists between free speech and defamation or disinformation is now so blurry. This misuse of freedom should not then make it less of a core value in western societies as we cannot downplay the positive effects it has had in the society. For example, the First Amendment to the U.S. constitution has protected freedom of speech fiercely for centuries, and this, in turn, has enabled many of the critical movements in the world today like feminist movements and civil rights activists. Rather, it only tells us that 'freedom' cannot be a standalone value in society, and it has to be paired with the responsibility and accountability to manage freedom. This accountability should be like a tag on every human, a leash long enough that it allows us the freedom to exercise our rights, but short enough to keep us from affecting the collective peace of the society. We must also understand that the only way a system thrives is when the several parts that make up that system are equally cared for and catered to, democracy as a system is not an exception. In the most basic definition of democracy given by Abraham Lincoln, it is the "government of the people, by the people and for the people" this means the 'parts' that make up the system called democracy are the people. People, regardless of their beliefs and inclinations — so long as it is legal — should be afforded the same rights and treatment by the system that claims to cater to the needs of all humans equally. Diversity is not a weakness of a system, especially not modern democracy, it actually is the greatest strength it possesses. The blend of several cultures and beliefs creates a pluralist society that promotes creativity and innovation, but only if this 'strength' is harnessed. Another core value that should exist in the foundation of western democracies is the rule of law. A democracy is only fully functional when the judiciary system is standing independently and acting impartially. This seems like a value that should go without saying, as we can simply look back in time to remind ourselves of its importance. During the reign of Henry VIII, the influence of the Magna Carta was reduced to the barest minimum, and rights became proportional to the status of the persons concerned. It created a large gap in the rights of the average man when compared to those who were in positions of considerable power. It was in a bid to fight against this disparity that the system of democracy was established, and so one of the major pillars of democracy is the rule of law, the theory that everyone regardless of position or status is absolutely equal under the law, and this naturally should stop, say, a president in power from pardoning his son of his crimes. Everyday events take place that weaken the pillars of democracy in the society, and all of these events can be grouped as reactionary movements and agendas. Those who have rooted their minds in a system that existed in the past and are unable to adapt to the changes around them. Some of these events include the efforts to restrict voting access in the US, especially for certain minority groups, the restriction of media freedom and judicial independence that is going on in Hungary, the "Don't say gay" laws that exist in Florida and several other infringements on minority rights. It is therefore very necessary that proactive steps be taken to safeguard these core values of western democracies. One of these steps is to strengthen the independence of institutions like the judiciary, the media, electoral bodies, and civil society organisations. This step is vital for checking power at the executive level to ensure that every person, regardless of political status, is subject to the rule of law. Another effective method is simply education, in every sense of the word. At an academic level for students in classes, organising rallies to educate the public on their rights, and the accountability that accompanies those rights, creating platforms for dialogue between opposing ideological groups as most of these ideologies are formed because of the different ways people from different backgrounds experience the system. The opinions I have concerning western democracies are probably very clear by now, but then there are the deep and unavoidable questions that will surely pop up in the minds of the readers of this piece, "Where do we go from here?", "What framework can be used to support the ideal democratic society?" Well, the answers to these questions are not far fetched at all. The key lies in "renewal" and not nostalgia. It is very much like a build-block toy set, where all the blocks must be kept intact, but then there are several ways to arrange said blocks, so also employing a framework that adapts to the ever changing society, while simultaneously protecting the core values that form the foundation of said societies is the key. The beauty of democracy is its ability to balance these core principles, not in the absolute victory of one principle over another, but in the ongoing conversation itself — a continuous, probably messy, yet fundamentally hopeful process.

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