questions—democracy

This is the first installment of an occasional series I’ll be running called “Central Questions.”

Today’s question is—–How does one reconcile a commitment to democracy with the often distressing beliefs and actions of the general public?

Possible Answers—

1. Try to see people’s beliefs and actions from their perspective. This takes work and requires sympathy for people who may make little effort to see your side of the debate. Still, it’s worth the trouble.

2. Realize that you are flawed as well.

3. Consider the view that Democracy in and of itself has merit regardless of the outcome of the democratic process. At core, people must have a say in how they are governed.

4. Consider that in time your views on important issues may gain the ascendancy. For better or worse, few issues are ever fully resolved once and for all.

5. Consider that this question has no firm answer and that you must take issues and individuals on a case-by-case basis as the situation merits and your personal energy permits.

6. Take actions to move society in the direction you feel is best.

I’d be happy to hear from the blog reading public any other views on this question.