AMAERICAN DEMOCRAY ON LIFE-SUPPORT By T.S.Khanna, October 25, 2019.

FOUNDATION FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT

American Democracy on Life-support

By T.S. Khanna, October 25, 2019

The founding of the USA has been the greatest gift of God to humanity.   The Founding Fathers were the ornaments of humanity as they established the Democratic System of Government in 1787.   People have benefited tremendously by the System.   However, lately, the System is showing signs of fatigue.  It may collapse, unless timely oxygen is administered.

In 1796, George Washington, in his farewell address, warned:  “The spirit of (political) party serves always to distract the public councils, and enfeeble the public administration.   It agitates the communities with ill founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against the other; foments occasional riots and insurrection”.

If  Washington were to revisit, he might have added:  “The party system also carries the seeds of slow suicide of  democracy”.

Constitution is a loosely written document to accommodate varying circumstances under the common values of a nation.   In America, however, the problem is of the two opposing parties, using different mindsets for its interpretation: “Originalism”, and, “Pragmatism”. 

The Originalists believe the original intent of the framers must not be ignored in interpreting the Constitution, while the Pragmatists believe the Constitution is a living document that may be interpreted with much greater leeway.   The two interpretations are personified as two parties with two non-compromising values: wealth producing greedy capitalism v/s wealth consuming freeloading socialism.

Here, a few areas are indicated where the System is choked by the opposite parties:

1.     The concept of liberty has transformed its meaning; some equate liberty to indiscipline, irresponsibility, lack of respect for others, and protests.

2.     Liberty, interpreted by the Supreme Court (blind justice) has equated the best of human culture (classic human and family values) to the worst of human nature (porno, free sex, same-sex marriage, et el, running counter to original American culture).  Erosion of classic values has an attendant effect on personal character of the people as reflected in the elected public officials.

    

3.      The decision capability of the System is pathetic;

·      For sixty years, the immigration issue has been argued without resolution.  Millions have settled illegally in America.   A consistent national policy is still not in sight.  Some states, using their Constitutional right, violate national efforts to stem the flow of illegal immigrants.   Some states and cities provide even sanctuaries for illegal migrants.  Constant party disputes do not allow the taxpayers protection against the expenses on illegal immigrants: social welfare, schooling, medical, and crime.  The System is failing here.

·      It is horrifying to note how the trigger-happy hands of a few crazy gun-lovers have killed numerous school children, many adults, and even police officials.  Guns have become the “sacred cows” of America.  The System has been incapable of resolving this issue.

·      Women’s right to abortion has been in dispute for several decades.  Here again, the decision incapability of the System sends the issue to the Supreme Court to decide on Constitutional basis.  This is a political issue, not a legal issue.  It has been beyond the System’s capability to decide. 

·      “Mosaic acceptance” of multi-culturalism, replacing the traditional “melting-pot” approach, has planted varying values, further complicating the System’s decision-making capability.

·      Freedom of the media was intended to present facts to the polity in an unbiased manner.  But the media has degenerated to advocacy journalism, twisting and fabricating facts.  The System is not equipped power to correct the situation.
.    Judicial Review of the President's Executive orders obstructs the needed efficiency for action on political decisions.  The power of Judicial Review of President's decisions was originally vested in the Supreme Court onl, not in the lower courts.

·      Starting with President Nixon, there has been erosion in presidential respect, trust, and influence.  These attributes are essential for proper performance of Presidential duties.  The way the sitting President is disgraced by his opponents and the media is setting a precedent to disable the future presidents as well.  The System is not equipped with powers for damage control.

Here, a question arises: Is this the type of democracy we can brag about and propagate abroad, or, should we reexamine to refine it?

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