Interesting though brief discussion on how there has been a waning of support for liberal democracy in the West and the causes.
https://www.vox.com/2018/3/5/17035848/d ... ump-europe
https://www.vox.com/2018/3/5/17035848/d ... ump-europe
Neal Anderth wrote:The article just sounds like Leftist make believe, as of late. The oft repeated suggestion that populism is a threat to democracy is absurd, by definition. There's a backlash to elected representatives imposing major policies that citizens didn't consent to and clearly (as shown by polling) didn't want.
Pointing to Brexit and Donald Trump as a failure of democracy is refusing to be chastised by the electorate in favor of your own utopian vision that is hinder by seeking consent.
danivon wrote:Did you read the interview?
Democracy has its limitations. We have to recognize and accept those limitations.
Our system has failed at one of the core ambitions of a democracy, which is to translate popular views into public policies. That’s because of the role of money in our politics, because of the revolving door between legislators and lobbyists, and because the political class has become separated from the bulk of the population.
The oft repeated suggestion that populism is a threat to democracy is absurd, by definition.
There are various systems that are democratic in nature, in varying degrees. Mounk is criticizing many of the systems for failing to be responsive to the real needs of voters... he is specific about the US system.
Populism is a political philosophy supporting the rights and power of the people in their struggle against a privileged elite.
So, yes, on its face you would expect that populists are offering a response to the masses.
The problem is that historically rarely is populism more than a tool . Example: By using populist platitudes You can fool people into believing that a tax bill will work in their favor, whilst benefiting primarily the elites you have vilified.
Example: You can pit the "masses" against any minority (Ethnic, racial, class), in order to move your agenda forward, benefiting those you favor. But seldom offering much genuine improvement to the mass of people.
You see ricky?
It always seems to be the ones selling you Utopia who screw you the most.