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Attack on the United States Capitol
As I watch the January 6th Hearing, I am reminded that democracy is a concept that is unnatural. Strength will always have might and it is human instinct to seek to survive and reproduce by asserting ourselves — relentlessly, unwittingly, savagely — against others.
For democracy to survive, three things must exist:
Leaders — It is important to elect leaders of character. When leaders set aside their values and beliefs in the pursuit of self-interest, chaos ensues. When politicians can offer alternative facts in the face of irrefutable evidence, truth no longer matters.
System — A system is only as strong as the people within it. The system will fail if all the checks and balances are corrupted. While multiple layers help prevent a total system failure, this is not a guarantee. Hence, it is important to have people of character in key appointments to prevent such failures.
People — The electorate’s (and the politicians’) fidelity needs to be to the Constitution, not to a party or to an individual. The Constitution is the guardrail that sets the boundaries for political contest and the exercise of political power. Placing a party or an individual’s will above the Constitution destroys democracy.
