{"id":128690,"date":"2014-12-02T09:12:12","date_gmt":"2014-12-02T13:12:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=128690"},"modified":"2014-12-02T09:12:12","modified_gmt":"2014-12-02T13:12:12","slug":"democracy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/features\/commentary\/democracy\/","title":{"rendered":"Why democracy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Commentary\"He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. (Daniel 2:21)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica will soon take to the polls to cast their votes at the upcoming General Election.<\/p>\n

At such a time, it is imperative that we recognize and appreciate this wonderful privilege. This is indeed a blessing. Many people in various parts of the world are unable to share this privilege due to their political system enforced by their governments. It is a privilege they yearn for. It is a luxury which has been snatched from them or which was never bequeathed to them. It is a gift, which eludes them. It is something which many of them are willing to risk their lives for.<\/p>\n

This brings to mind the countless people who have risked their lives to escape from communist Cuba by travelling the perilous seas, hoping to make it to Freedom in America. If life was so great in Cuba why would they even risk leaving?<\/p>\n

This also brings to mind the many Christian missionaries who have travelled to atheist China and even to Islamic theocracies in the Middle East, to dictatorial regimes, where they dared to share the Word of God and convert souls who yearned for that spiritual outlet. They risked prison and even death! At such a time, we should ponder on this great privilege which we enjoy here in Dominica and in the Western hemisphere.<\/p>\n

To truly appreciate something, we need to educate ourselves about it.<\/p>\n

What Is Democracy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Democracy, according to the WIKEPEDIA Encyclopedia, \u201c\u2026is a form of government in which all eligible citizens are meant to participate equally \u2013 either directly or, through elected representatives, indirectly \u2013 in the proposal, development and establishment of the laws by which their society is run.\u201d The term originates from the Greek word d\u0113mokrat\u00eda, which means the “rule of the people”. This is a system for the people and by the people.<\/p>\n

The system of Democracy needs to be appreciated, handled with care and allowed to flourish in other to maintain its unique features.<\/p>\n

Besides Democracy, there are various other political systems in the world which we should carefully examine.<\/p>\n

Five of the most common political systems in the world include:
\n1. Democracy
\n2. Republic
\n3. Monarchy
\n4. Communism
\n5. Dictatorship<\/p>\n

After studying the various political systems, I am convinced more than ever that Democracy is the greatest system the world has ever known! Like a rare gem, valuable to all, it should be cherished.<\/p>\n

In Biblical times, God ruled His first chosen people, the Jews, through prophets and judges. The prophets relayed the word of God, while the judges counseled the people in times of peace, and led them to battle in times of war. However, stubborn as these people were, they demanded their own human god or ruler when they became dissatisfied with the judges. In 1 Samuel, chapter 8, Samuel warned them of the consequences of having an absolute monarch. They had actually rejected God and now they had erected a man over them. Under Saul, the people soon learnt that it was actually better to be governed by God.<\/p>\n

From then on, various political systems have been used throughout the world to direct the affairs of man.<\/p>\n

Democracy, in my view, has stood out among the other systems like a beacon in the dark to all. Unlike other systems, this is the only one which truly allows man to exercise his God-given rights. Under the democratic system, people are able to freely worship, freely work, freely travel. They are also able to speak freely\u2014in a responsible manner of course.<\/p>\n

This is an entitlement which we should never ever take for granted; it is something which must be guarded at all costs, for democracy is fragile. Many around the world have fought for and defended this system, which we should always appreciate.<\/p>\n

When it is gone, man is deprived of his right to exercise his God-given rights which we’re all blessed with from birth. God, in His Mercy and Kindness, has bequeathed us with the freedom of choice to make decisions as we see fit. Whether we rise or fall, it is our choice. No man or government should demean us by stealing or taking away this freedom because it is a gift from God.<\/p>\n

However, when this right is taken away or has been infringed upon, then freedom itself has been stolen! It has been devalued, smashed to smithereens! No man should usurp his authority over another by brutally and viciously grabbing his freedoms away. If God will not take away this freedom, why should man feel he has the authority to do so?<\/p>\n

Yet many have done just that. In some parts of the world men and women live or die, rise and fall under the tyranny of a few bigoted souls. In Atheist China, Christians are not able to practice their faith as they desire. Many there are who have resorted to worshipping underground or in secret. Many have been imprisoned for daring to stand up for their own beliefs which contradicts the policies of the ruling class. In Cuba too, there have been hundreds who have been imprisoned for their political beliefs. Many artistes, writers, etc., now languish in these jail cells for simply refusing to compromise their core beliefs.<\/p>\n

We should never forget these brave men and women and should speak on their behalf and rally their various causes. We should support their fight for freedom rather than condone the tyrants who rule over them with a mighty iron fist.<\/p>\n

If Democracy is ever taken away from us, we too will find ourselves to be a demoralized and conquered people. What a tragedy if we were ever to lose this gift of democracy, this ability to exercise our God-given freedom. As we go to the polls, let us collectively ponder on these things.<\/p>\n

Opinions expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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