The Mirror of Democracy
The Permanent Things: Reflections on Tradition, Culture, and the Good Society
Dear Reader,
As we approach another election season, I find myself pondering a phrase (and some related paraphrases of it) that often resurfaces in political discourse: “the people get the government they deserve.” It’s a statement that, on the surface, seems to carry a certain fatalistic weight, yet upon deeper examination, reveals profound truths about the nature of democracy and our role as citizens. Today, I invite you to join me in looking deeper into the implications of this provocative expression.
The Weight of Collective Choice
At its core, this phrase speaks to the fundamental nature of representative democracy. In a system where leaders are chosen by the people, the outcome of an election is, in essence, a reflection of the collective will. It’s a sobering reminder that our choices at the ballot box have consequences that extend far beyond election day.
As I reflect on this, I’m reminded of the quotation above by Joseph de Maistre, (and echoed by Thomas Jefferson) who observed that “in a democracy, the people get the government they deserve.” This isn’t a statement of judgment, but rather an acknowledgment of the profound responsibility that rests on the shoulders of every citizen in a free society.
The Mirror of Society
In many ways, our elected leaders serve as a mirror, reflecting back to us our values, priorities, and even our shortcomings as a nation. When we look at our President, we’re not just seeing an individual, but a manifestation of the collective choices made by millions of Americans.
This reflection isn’t always flattering. Sometimes, it reveals divisions, fears, or shortsightedness that we might prefer not to acknowledge. But it’s precisely this honest reflection that gives us the opportunity for growth and self-correction.
The Responsibility of Citizenship
A paraphrased version of the quotation, “the country deserves the President it elects” isn’t an invitation to passive acceptance of whatever outcome emerges from the ballot box. Rather, it’s a call to active, engaged citizenship. It reminds us that the quality of our leadership is directly tied to the quality of our participation in the democratic process.
This participation goes far beyond simply casting a vote every four years. It involves:
1. Staying informed: Seeking out reliable information and thinking critically about the issues facing our nation.
2. Engaging in civil discourse: Participating in respectful dialogue with those who hold different views.
3. Holding leaders accountable: Using our voices and votes to ensure that elected officials stay true to their promises and the principles of good governance.
4. Cultivating civic virtue: Developing the personal qualities that make for good citizens - honesty, responsibility, civic-mindedness.
The Biblical Perspective
As a Christian, I’m reminded of Proverbs 29:2, which states, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” This verse underscores the connection between the character of a people and the nature of their leadership.
It’s a reminder that our collective moral and ethical choices have real-world consequences. The leaders we elevate to high office are, in many ways, a reflection of our own values and priorities.
The Complexity of Choice
Of course, the reality of elections is far more complex than this simple phrase might suggest. Factors like the electoral college system, the influence of media, and the role of money in politics all complicate the direct link between the will of the people and electoral outcomes.
Moreover, in a diverse nation of over 300 million people, no single leader can perfectly represent the views and values of every citizen. The President, or government, we “deserve” is inevitably a compromise, a best approximation of our collective will given the choices available.
A Call to Reflection and Action
As we contemplate this expression, let it serve not as a statement of resignation, but as a call to reflection and action. If we’re dissatisfied with our leadership, the onus is on us to engage more deeply in the democratic process, to elevate the level of public discourse, and to cultivate the civic virtues that make for a healthy republic.
Let’s remember the words of James Madison in Federalist No. 51: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” Well, we aren’t angels, and neither are our leaders. But through active, thoughtful engagement in the democratic process, we can strive to build a government that reflects the best of who we are as a nation.
In Conclusion
“[In] a democracy, the people get the government they deserve” is more than just a pithy saying. It’s a profound statement about the nature of democracy and the weighty responsibility of citizenship. As we move forward, let’s take this phrase not as an indictment, but as an invitation - an invitation to be more thoughtful in our civic engagement, more principled in our politics, and more committed to the ideals that have long guided our nation.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. How do you interpret this phrase? What does it mean for your own engagement in the democratic process? Please share your reflections in the comments below.
Until next time, may we all strive to be citizens worthy of the democracy we’ve inherited.
Warmly,
Russell F. Scruton
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