Are We Tired of Democracy?

I’m sure that if a poll were taken, 99.99999% would say that they want us to remain a democracy. Yet many of our citizens have some very undemocratic ideas.
As many have said before, the Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders phenomena are two sides of the same coin. Many are disgusted with both parties and their inability to work together. I share that frustration. President Obama and congressional Republicans and Democrats have behaved poorly. They are not totally responsible for the gridlock. We have two vastly different ideas for the future and a divided government. Democracy is not designed to be efficient. The Constitution has checks and balances to ensure the preservation of democracy. It took eighty years to resolve slavery.

I can’t get too upset with the Sanders supporters. I was once young and idealistic myself. There isn’t any chance that his socialist nirvana will ever be enacted.

I am more troubled by many of the Trump supporters. They seem most concerned with getting things done and don’t care as much about the means. Their standard-bearer has run his company like a feudal lord. Many have rightly criticized Obama for exceeding his constitutional powers. He has had his hand slapped by the Supreme Court many times and accepted their ruling. Even a desperate Richard Nixon went along with a ruling that cost him his presidency. I am very concerned about what Trump might do.

Preserving the Bill of Rights is vital to maintaining our democracy. Trump has already talked about making it easier for public figures to sue the press for libel. A few days ago there was a near riot on a Los Angeles campus as students attempted to block doors to keep people from hearing a conservative speaker.

There is nothing wrong with strongly held opinions. We just need to make sure that a respect for our democracy is more important.