What Democracy?

By now most of you will have realized that I have a very low opinion of the American electoral process. Frankly it is not democratic, so I find it obnoxious, to say the least, when American politicians or commentators crow, lecture, or otherwise pontificate about the virtues of democracy. I am not alone. Christopher Hitchens agrees with me, at least with respect to the lunacy of caucus style elections and polls:Iowa’s undemocratic caucuses are no way to choose a presidential candidate. – By Christopher Hitchens – Slate Magazine

Here’s a simple way for Americans to get to grips with their lack of democracy: name a country that has adopted the American electoral system since it was developed back in the late 1700’s. There have been plenty of countries since then who have become democracies, so there have been an equally plentiful number of opportunities for the American vision of democracy to influence the world. So: go on name one. Didn’t think you could! The fact is that no one has adopted the American system because it is riven through with rigged and undemocratic features.

The most egregious: the electoral college; the disproportionate power given to small states; the quasi-legislative ability of the Supreme Court; and the bizarre primary system.

Hitchens is right: the Iowa caucus should be a source of national shame not feted as some quaint and adorable little institution in a far away corner of our great country.

This is another instance, I fear, of the American Myth getting in the way of reality. Let’s hope the damage isn’t too great.

Meanwhile: no lectures on democracy please. Remember the old adage: “physician heal thyself!”