Viewpoints
Majority Rules?
By Kate Smith
July 13, 2007
Friday PM
Samuel Bergeron wrote, "76% of us don't smoke; 24% do. I
propose to model a smoking ordinance that represents the majority
of us who don't smoke and eliminate smoking in all public places."
Alright! So, the majority must be right or, at least should rule?
Oh, the fallacy in such egocentric thoughts.
May we shimmy on over to the thoughts of, "Democracy versus
Republic" ["And to the Republic, for which it stands!"]:
Our military training manuals used to contain the correct definitions
of Democracy and Republic. The following comes from Training
Manual No. 2000-25 published by the War Department, November
30, 1928.
DEMOCRACY:
A government of the masses.
Authority derived through mass meeting or any other form of "direct"
expression.
Results in mobocracy.
Attitude toward property is communistic--negating property rights.
Attitude toward law is that the will of the majority shall regulate,
whether is be based upon deliberation or governed by passion,
prejudice, and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences.
Results in demagoguism, license, agitation, discontent, anarchy.
REPUBLIC:
Authority is derived through the election by the people of public
officials best fitted to represent them.
Attitude toward law is the administration of justice in accord
with fixed principles and established evidence, with a strict
regard to consequences.
A greater number of citizens and extent of territory may be brought
within its compass.
Avoids the dangerous extreme of either tyranny or mobocracy.
Results in statesmanship, liberty, reason, justice, contentment,
and progress.
Is the "standard form" of government throughout the
world.
Something to think about, I think, in light of the attitude expressed
by Mr. Bergeron. Who favors and no doubt, is not alone, in the
thought that the "Majority rules." Or at least, think
should rule.
Being within the majority,
certainly does not [necessarily] make you righteous. No more
than it did of those in human history, who wished to stamp out
others, who did not fit their egocentric, bigoted view points.
Sincerely,
Kate Smith
Wrangell, Ak.
Received July 12, 2007 - Published July 13, 2007
About: "Alaskan Born Citizen"
Related Viewpoint:
 Let's
Start a Clean Air Initiative in Ketchikan By Samuel Bergeron
- Ketchikan, AK
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