I forget who said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” (Churchill?)
Democracy does have weaknesses. For one thing, it depends on consent of the governed, a potential for chaos (as we saw in 1861-1865) that doesn’t exist in, say, North Korea (a very docile society by all accounts, at least among the survivors).
Ignorant, gullible, and just plain stupid voters is another. This can be a real hindrance to sound governance, as recent events in our own country have shown.
In an ideal democracy, politics involves informed and intelligent discussion and debate of matters of public importance, and wise leaders and good policies emerge from that process. In practice, we all too often get this:
Mr. Carra (profile here) is vying against two incumbent Republicans, Reps. Bill Huizenga (profile here) and Fred Upton (profile here), in a newly redistricted and safely Republican 4th congressional district. Hard to say how he’ll do in the primary.
But there isn’t much there to vote for. Nor here, either. I really wonder what he could do in Congress, besides supporting insurrections and refusing to certify legitimate election results. He doesn’t seem to have a lot of policy depth.
But in America’s flailing democracy, politics isn’t really about policy anyway. It’s about My Tribe vs. Your Tribe. At least that’s how Republicans see it, and how Republicans like Mr. Carra play to their voter base.
And, apparently, this Democrat, too (see story here). Note: This video is NOT SAFE for work, small children, or viewing either before or after dinner.