Matthews here is pointing towards a key aspect of democratic societies that is being neglected in increasingly troubling ways both in the United States and Europe. Democracy by definition is pluralistic. I strongly believe that despite the way we typically think of democratic processes (particularly voting) as majority rule, democracy must include empowering and allowing a voice for the minority (or more accurately, minorities; and by this, I mean any person[s] either not represented by the majority, or neglected by its policies). As evidenced by the latest parliamentary election in the Netherlands, this idea can be rapidly forgotten amidst fear and xenophobia in the face of cultural change.
If we are to retain the idea of democracy any longer, we ought never adopt platforms which seek to homogenize or exclude. Rather, we should be vigilantly generous and hospitable; inviting the Other in, and seeking out any voice which is not being heard.
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ReplyDeleteI find it all the while interesting that the liberal, progressive talk show host Chris Matthews feels that he has the journalistic authority to claim that lower taxes is a political platform of ignorance. I find the philosophy that Matthews conveniently failed to mention equally as foolish: "Government has the answer".
Regarding the Tea Party; Their message is Liberty. Less government, less spending, & restoring individual freedom. Anyone who has ACTUALLY ATTENDED a Tea Party knows that. Because I can assure you the only exposure you have had to the Tea Party is media outlets.
To directly address the issue, we are at a very interesting point in American polity. Americas population is knocking at 310,000,000. The Federal Government's 2010 Budget, spends 2.5 TRILLION dollars of our money. There is 1 federal representative for every 750,000 Americans. That is not Representation. That is not democracy. That is not a Republic.
Politics will only continue to become more polarizing until the U.S. splits.
Jefferson Davis saw this prevalent need and inevitability of a split in 1870 when he said, "The principle for which we contend is bound to reassert itself, though it may be at another time and in another form."
I appreciated what Mathews said and I agree with both him and you. The beauty of democracy is that many voices can be heard and through dialogue we can seek resolutions that best serve the most people or the people who need it most.
ReplyDeleteAlso, to comment on what Anonymous said, it is a little ridiculous to say that politics in the U.S. will only necessarily polarize until it splits. It may happen but there is no reason to assume it must happen. Also, we should still be concerned about our politicians and ourselves becoming so closeminded and pigheaded. Even if the U.S. does split what comes next wont be better if we don't become better ourselves.
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