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This in your profile made me curious:
"Pro-Democracy. Pro-Rights. Pro-Freedom. In that order."
So if it is democratically decided to abolish fundemental rights, you would support it since democracy is more important than rights?
Not trying to give you a hard time, just a fair question about your stance.
@freemo I wouldn't support the abolition of rights, but I would prefer to live in that situation over one where we still have rights but live under a dictator. Mainly because I believe that a free and equal democracy provides the best chance for the restoration of rights when they are taken away.
In other words, I believe a true democracy lacking rights has a tendency to mend its attitude towards rights to appease voters.
Whereas in the flip side, an authoritarian regime with rights, those rights are likely on their way out.
So, that's why I see democracy as a foundation for equal rights: We the people demand them.
@LouisIngenthron That is an interesting take.. would you want to live under an ideal king, or an abusive democracy...
In the short term I think id prefer to live under an ideal king with generous and proper rights than an abusive democracy... that said this breaks down for me long term. The issue is eventually you have a new king, and he might be quite cruel and then your stuck. A democracy at least can adjust.
@LouisIngenthron Ok then yea, if thats what you meant, sure, im willing to subscribe to your newsletter :)
@freemo @LouisIngenthron "an ideal king" - that's how democracies die. "A strong man to rectify what goes wrong" is a fallacy easily subscribed to, though. However, that's what every junta claims: to restore order and bring back rule to the people and relieve them from whatever oppression of the scapegoat-to-be. There exist zillions of such in history and many as-of-now on Earth and very few evidence to the contrary. NEVER trade freedom for security - or you will eventually loose both. There is no benevolent dictator.
@freemo Exactly. Ultimately, this philosophy is likely rooted in my whole-hearted belief that "power corrupts". Even if we found someone venerated for peace and wisdom (i.e. Ghandi, Mother Theresa, etc.) and made them king of the world, I believe that power would corrupt them, as it would any man or woman.
That's the real beauty of democracy: It puts the most devastating power collectively in the hands of those who wield no power individually.
(Although, that's not to say the system is without its own flaws.)