The flaws of democracy

Troy Rollo's picture
Submitted by Troy Rollo on Mon, 18/10/2004 - 10:25am

Lawrence Lessig has written an article for Wired in which he discusses one of democracy's most dangerous flaws - in modern times, the present generation has the power to completely screw over the next generation, but the next generation, being either children, or not even born yet, don't get to vote.

The results in the Australian elections make this especially relevant for us. Some Liberal supporters have even gone so far as to admit that Howard will screw up the future, but that all they care about now is the present.

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Comments

Anonymous (not verified)

Wed, 20/10/2004 - 3:55am

If you don't like democracy go live in 'pinko' land.

Cheers
Gary Hannah "92.37% counted 823 votes"

Troy Rollo's picture

Troy Rollo

Wed, 20/10/2004 - 9:23am

Every system has flaws. It is by discussing the flaws that we are able to learn from them and have an opportunity to improve the system. Being able to do so rationally is an important sign of maturity and wisdom - attributes that somebody who is considering entering politics ought to attain before taking any serious steps in that direction. It is true that some people never achieve this in their lives, but generally the more intelligent one is, the more likely one is to achieve such maturity and wisdom.

Anonymous (not verified)

Fri, 24/10/2008 - 7:45am

I agree. Flaws in a government must be adressed. Without this, there would never be progress. Do not forget, democracy itself grew from another form of government as an improvement.