Letters to Ukraine – 10

Daddy, can I have a REAL circus for Christmas? Naturally, the child gets a toy circus, or nothing at all. That’s what “democracy” can be like. We campaign for human rights in Tibet, march against war in Iraq, or lobby MPs to save a particular rainforest, but all too often, even with massive public support, nothing real is delivered. Why? There are, of course, numerous reasons (ideology, business elites, etc.); but governments sometimes behave like unyielding parents because the electorate, as a whole, can be an unreasonable, self-contradicting child. We expect, for instance, environmental preservation or improved education, then complain bitterly if taxes are increased to achieve it. Moreover, will governments behave with integrity while we turn a blind mind to the way their shady deals are conducive to our current lifestyles? Meanwhile, few of us take genuine interest in how the democratic household of the nation is run. Some, like myself, can’t muster the time or effort; others simply wish to be looked after whilst they attend to their private affairs. Many feel excluded, voiceless. But if everyone demanded greater involvement in democratic process, participation would eventually happen. Instead of accepting toy circuses, we have to join the real one and transform it.