Demo-'Crazy'

Having sorted out our differences (and having survived my wrath!), Average Joe and I decided to democratically sit together and write a story about democracy (God help us). A dude with a cool beard two centuries ago spoke of a government of the people, by the people, for the people. This, folks, is today considered the simplest definition of democracy, and is said to be practiced widely in many countries all over the world, including our paradise isle. Yeah right!

To elaborate a bit further, in a so-called democratic state, supreme power is vested in the people, their rights guaranteed (well, at least the very basic ones); there is equality before the law and free and fair elections (What? Stop frowning with disbelief. It's there. Have you no faith in our beloved politicians?) So technically, in such a society, the people should be free, completely free (meaning not bound and gagged by tradition, which, admittedly, is grey territory, but commands discussion nevertheless), equal and never underestimated (or overestimated in some cases, but that's not really relevant to this discussion).

Anyway, the above definition may have been true in the grand old days of Lincoln (where millions of African Americans were being kicked around like dogs, we might add). But is this what is really being practiced today?

Take freedom of expression for instance (which, incidentally, is one of the chief elements of democracy). How many journalists were killed/harassed/put behind bars last year for daring to write what they felt was in the best interest of the nation? Or wait, you might have heard a different version. They are accused of aiding and abetting separatism and are liberally labeled 'traitors'. So much for freedom of expression… But then, it can be argued that the fact that our "leaders" can call them traitors and get away with it is itself a sign of a vibrant democracy. So it really is debatable. Enough about journalists (we do not want to be accused of self indulgence). Anyway, can the guy on the street, your average Joe (no pun intended), speak up for what he believes is right? And is he free to express his opinion or protest injustice? Well, some have the guts to do so, but then, what fate awaits them? Common sense says it's probably the gallows or, if they're lucky, a bit of tear gas.

Are we not trapped, unable to fight the evil forces around us? Bound by traditional norms and conventions, are we not always reminded (be it at home, at school, at work or anywhere else) that there are far more intelligent people than us simpletons, who are superior in every imaginable way constantly telling us what to do, making our decisions for us?

Love between unlikely couples is frowned upon. Homosexuality is a crime in a lot of countries. Poverty, a nasty devil which keeps you from raising your head, is threatening to widen the numerous manmade gaps (ethnic divide included). Are we not but pawns in this sick game between the powerful and the powerless? Something to ponder on till next week, folks. Unfortunately, lack of space has left us with no choice but to cut this short. Maybe next time…