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A thought on Democracy.



 -Democracy is to protect the individual's rights-

What constitutes a democracy in the strictest sense of the meaning is
the right of all citizens of age to elect the government of their choice
who will represent them and their interest. Other rights ,however,
usually follow that fundamental right; for example, freedom of speech or
freedom of religion. In comparison to other political theologies like
communism, democracy might also seem to center on the individual rather
than the community or the people of the country as a whole. In the same
line of thought then, the above statement may be interpreted as
democratic law boils down to just trying to meet the needs of
individuals , that is to always ensure their individual or human rights.

Would this mean that the interest of the community as a whole is
neglected as a result? Democratic law has provisions to ensure that it
does not happen. Take a hypothetical example of Oklahoma City Bombing in
U.S.. What if the sole witness that can testify against the bombing
suspect refuses to go to stand as a witness? Most will agree that the
relatives of the victims have their right to pursue justice for their
dearly departed. Their rights should over-ride what is usually the
witness's right to keep his/her silence. In this case the judge would
most certainly go to Supreme Court to get the special permission to
force the witness to testify.

This might lead to the case where the majority might abuse their voting
power to suppress the minority. Measures such as Interest Groups or
Lobbyists are there to ensure that everyone in the democratic nation
gets equal representation and that their voices will be heard. In what
situations then is it appropriate that laws that are there to protect
the individual's rights be enforced?  In the truly democratic society
the people should be the ones making that decision. International
organizations like the U.N. might lay down laws such as universal human
rights, but it is the responsibility of the masses to ensure that they
are being upheld and that these laws would then serve all parties
concern whether they be the minority or the majority.

ATH