Sorry, my point was unclear. Well functioning liberal democracies work by having groups working to further various interests, whether it be gay rights, workers rights, business interests, or environmentalism. Protests can be part of the political process, either as a rallying point or a show of dissatisfaction. But a protest does not on its own show that the cause reflects the will of the people. That’s why free and fair elections are so vital, as well as direct contact with representatives.
It’s really sad that people still look at liberal democracies and think, yup this is a well functioning system. Free and fair elections don’t happen in liberal democracies (notice how it’s the same people and organizations calling western elections free and fair and election elsewhere rigged when they don’t like the outcome). There is no direct contact between the people and representatives beyond maybe the city/county level.
The rights of capital and private property trump everything else, because capital and private property are in control of the institutions of power. The only reason we have any rights beyond the right to die when we’re unable to work is precisely due to protest movements forcing capital and politicians to make small compromises in order to maintain their balance of power.
Thinking that liberal democracy functions well for all and is the peak of political development is just another facet of the capitalist propaganda we of the imperial core are immersed in from birth. Thinking that protests are only a small but ultimately inconsequential part of the political process is a further facet of this propaganda.
It’s really sad that people still look at liberal democracies and think, yup this is a well functioning system.
Versus a system where the only real option to change governance is violent overthrow? Where press freedom is systematically suppressed? Look at Iran right now, the government would rather kill people than listen to them or make changes. Or Russia, where dissent that makes a difference could well land you in jail. The democratic process is messy, no doubt about it, but it’s a far sight better than one where the leadership answers only to their peers and to pitchforks.
deleted by creator
Sorry, my point was unclear. Well functioning liberal democracies work by having groups working to further various interests, whether it be gay rights, workers rights, business interests, or environmentalism. Protests can be part of the political process, either as a rallying point or a show of dissatisfaction. But a protest does not on its own show that the cause reflects the will of the people. That’s why free and fair elections are so vital, as well as direct contact with representatives.
It’s really sad that people still look at liberal democracies and think, yup this is a well functioning system. Free and fair elections don’t happen in liberal democracies (notice how it’s the same people and organizations calling western elections free and fair and election elsewhere rigged when they don’t like the outcome). There is no direct contact between the people and representatives beyond maybe the city/county level.
The rights of capital and private property trump everything else, because capital and private property are in control of the institutions of power. The only reason we have any rights beyond the right to die when we’re unable to work is precisely due to protest movements forcing capital and politicians to make small compromises in order to maintain their balance of power.
Thinking that liberal democracy functions well for all and is the peak of political development is just another facet of the capitalist propaganda we of the imperial core are immersed in from birth. Thinking that protests are only a small but ultimately inconsequential part of the political process is a further facet of this propaganda.
Versus a system where the only real option to change governance is violent overthrow? Where press freedom is systematically suppressed? Look at Iran right now, the government would rather kill people than listen to them or make changes. Or Russia, where dissent that makes a difference could well land you in jail. The democratic process is messy, no doubt about it, but it’s a far sight better than one where the leadership answers only to their peers and to pitchforks.
Alright, it’s spooky season, I’ll allow a giant scarecrow sized strawman.