Anurak has already written down the advantages and disadvantages of democracy, and I agree with his argument to a large extent.
However, there is a point which I will like to point out in his essay that I disagree with.
Anurak has stated that 'democracy creates better standards of living for all the people'. This statement is definitely not true. If democracy is really able to create better standards of living for all the people, then why are there still chaos and instability in a country that is democratic (eg. Thailand)? Even if it is in an economy sense, democracy is not able to create better standards of living for all the people. I agree that free markets are better as people are allowed to choose their own jobs and join labour unions. Moreover, if the government totally control the economy, then there tent to create dishonesty and corruption. Yet, there is a loop hole in the system of free market itself. In countries where great inequality of wealth exists (due to past discrimination or other unfair practices), the states should play a stronger role in them. If not, they poor will definitely be of disadvantages. For example, in Indonesia, the richer becomes richer, and the poorer becomes poorer. The phenomenon becomes a vicious cycle, unable the poor to get out of their social status. Therefore, even in economic sense, democracy fails to become a system which suits the need of all the people, and it is not even come close to a point where everyone's standard of living is better.
Pesonally, I feel that democracy as a system itself is able to create peace within a society. However, what make the system impossible to become as close as a 'utopia' state is because of external factors, such as tyranny of majority or corruption.
How to avoid all these complications?
1 comment:
Interestingly enough, it is not true that democracies always have a free market economy.
The European Union has one of the most protectionist economic policies the world over, yet it comprised of first world liberal democracies.
Democracies are also able to provide welfare services and support for its people, as seen in most countries round the world, and indeed is the only form of government that ENSHRINES the right of it's people, even the poor, to these basic nessceities.
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