The Myth of Democracy

By Vernon L. Etzel

A commentary on our unfair ballot access laws.

In a democracy, if you don't like the way things are going in government, you can run for office and try to change it. We have a free press, free elections, and we have liberty, and our republican democracy has made us the greatest nation on earth.

So the story goes.

And critical analysis really just takes the fun out of it. It's like telling a small child that there's no Santa Claus. It's just mean. We hear conspiracy theories from all angles, from Noam Chomsky to Alex Jones, but we don't want to live in a world of constant chaos and revolution. It's just simpler to enjoy Santa Claus for what he represents and go with the flow.

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, between the years 2000 and 2008, 94% of all incumbent State Representatives were either re-elected or retired. In 44% of the races, they ran unopposed by a major party candidate.

So we go to the polls, every two years, going through the motions of another Christmas Holiday, bringing out the old decorations and celebrating the hope that democracy might bring peace on earth and good will toward men.

Then there are the facts. The truth. That this democracy of ours is rigged. It's a Macy's parade, a Pepsi Challenge, a lottery ticket that never pays. Democracy is a myth by design, a resilient system of control that keeps power in the hands of a few. It's been that way since 1776 and it's true today.

Sorry kid, there ain't no Santy Claus.

Any analysis of Pennsylvania ballot access laws, of the history of ballot access legal challenges, of the ballot access requirements themselves would realize that they are designed to prevent, not recognize, new political efforts to win the popular vote. The details are irrelevant to the Press, to the chambers of Commerce or to the institutions of Government. The myth of democracy holds greater value than any truth that might dispel it.

Libertarians are often lured by the idea that local government is more responsive to the People--that a process of decentralization would lead to greater public interest in government. It's a nice idea, and it makes for good brochures. I'm all for it. But to think that this battle cry will dig into the mines of public apathy is wishful thinking at best.

Personally, I'm interested in the idea of Justice. I'm not a lawyer. I'm not even a good politician. But there are certain, obvious systems of injustice in our society. Some are so deep and entrenched that they are part of accepted routine. I don't really care if a local bully or a gang of criminals, the State, the Nation or the N.W.O. is responsible for these injustices; only that I feel obligated to oppose them with my relatively inconsequential life.

This is my deepest motivation. But as I approach the parade line as a candidate, I realize it's just mean to tell kids that there isn't a Santa Claus. We have to play the game: the Democracy Game. The rules are set up so that we must lose, so that our efforts are continuously washed against the coral reefs of Convention.

Honestly, do you think the people "in power" will allow any serious challenge to well up from the population? Do you seriously think that Washington, or Wall Street for that matter, gives a damn if you live or die?

Well, I do. And my friends do. And many good people do too. We're living day by day trying to survive, afraid to get involved in politics because we might be banned from our jobs, or harassed by bureaucrats threatening to fine us over paperwork issues. But some of us have the COURAGE to stand up for the good people. You might be one of them.

I honestly enjoy the democracy game. Sure I know it's rigged. But the people I've met over the years are heroes, true heroes without ballads to remember them by. I will continue to fight, through the electoral system, and we will build the Libertarian party here in Pennsylvania in spite of the truth.

So the story continues.

Liberty and Justice for All.