Coldstream Corner: The Demise of Democracy?

Sunday, June 12, 2016

The Demise of Democracy?

Many people feel democracy is already dead.

I feel democracy is "heavily encumbranced".

But maybe that's not descriptive enough...in other words, democracy remains the type of governance we supposedly enjoy, but incredible obstacles exist today that appear to prevent democracy working the way many people over the age of 50 feel it should...or remember that it did.
And those obstacles appear to have no other purpose--to me anyway--than to prevent democracy from working the way it used to.

Examples?
Well, just look at the arm's-length appointed committees over which we voters have no control: the B.C. Utilities Commission, an appointed committee that decides B.C. Hydro rates that consumers will pay.
Decidedly arm's-length.
Locally, to offer only one example, how about the Okanagan Basin Water Board, an appointed committee over which we voters have no control. Yet they have the power to impose water restrictions and issue water grants to communities. Yes they do.

But this blog entry isn't about my fear that democracy is dying.

It's about a former politician who believes the same thing.
Rafe Mair, a former politician, has penned his fear May 31st on TheCommonsenseCanadian blog, and its compelling Part I is entitled: "Responsible Government -- and How It Blocks Democracy".

Don't be quick to scan it and believe that it's only about Federal politics when you read the heading "Prime Ministers Don't Like Losing". Mr. Mair encourages you to replace federal democratic references with those of local governments.

So: Mayors Don't Like Losing is an appropriate replacement.
And Members of the Legislative Assemby Don't Like Losing is also appropriate.

Still not convinced, and haven't read the article?
Well, perhaps these headings will encourage you to digest Mr. Mair's feature story:

Buying Loyalty,
The Carrot and the Stick,
A Heavy Punishment,
No Questions Asked,
should pique your interest.