Protecting Democracy

Protecting Democracy
By T.S. Khanna.January 20,2010

A sound political system must provide a political order maximizing the legitimacy of government power through public confidence based on security, sound economy, and social justice. Our system seems to lack the self-adjusting ability to face the changing needs.

We need to re-examine the system, not from metaphysical viewpoint, but from practical viewpoint, to check if the facts match the assumptions. For example, the democratic assumption that good side of human nature operates in public affairs.

To refine or fine tune the system, we need to emphasize experiential learning for incorporating the warranted changes. We must not stick to some sanctified ideals regardless of the outcome; for instance, trial of the proven foreign enemies in a democratic civil court system, including the airplane (explosive underwear) terrorist of December 25, 2009.

The history of political philosophy is not a progressive history of the same issues, but constantly changing issues. Accordingly, democratic goals may be pursued in relative terms with necessary adjustment for the dominant prevailing needs of the nation. Protection of proven foreign enemies with Miranda rights would not be a sign of fairness but weakness of the Federal Administration.

Certain values are the signs of greatness in peace time, but a source of weakness during war. Strength of a chain depends on its weakest link. If we ignore our weaknesses, we can lose our strong points as well.