Democracy Is Overrated

I had an exchange of thoughts on democracy with a friend a couple of days ago, which is a very rare thing for me to do. It was not intentional for the conversation to go political. We were sitting in a casual Greek restaurant in west village and having light beer with meze since it was still early in the evening. We started off by talking about random things - summer, school, work, nosy coworkers, bitchy boss, etc. The conversation somehow made an unexpected turn when we began talking about families. My friend said he sometimes found it uncomfortable talking about things to his family. "Like what?" I asked. "Well, like...politics." He answered with a noticeable pause. Then, after making a cautious glance around the dining room, he asked me in a lowered voice,"What do you think about democracy?"

Though caught a little off guarded, I instantly answered, "Democracy is overrated." Immediately, I was shocked at my own words. Even before I could recap what just came out of my mouth, I heard my friend, almost with a relief, saying, "That's exactly what I think." We didn't dwell on the subject for too long. The night ended up with talks over many other more pleasant and less touchy things. But on my way home, I couldn't help but wondering exactly what had made me say such things.

Given where I am from, I've learned to be skeptical about just everything. But never once did I question the validity of democracy. It is the ultimate motto that everyone praises to be a panacea for any sort of problem we are facing. My father, whose experience has a huge impact on my world view, has taken in democracy as a mission in his quest for political recognition even after loosing his position in government. It was not until recently did I start thinking just how much faith we should have in democracy.

"All men are born equal" is probably the most resounding phrase in political doctrine of modern societies. It's been regarded as the fundamental principle of democracy. Though I don't have a problem with the statement itself, I find it challenging to assume the continuity of such equality. When I walk around hearing people saying stupid things all the time, I can't help but wondering which one is worse, unconditioned democratism or autocratic totalitarian? Maybe these two are just equally bad.

It's certainly a bitter year for many self-claimed democratic administrations. While Bush's maneuvering of the world's No. 1 country of the past 8 years has become a target of fervent attacks from not only his political opponent but also members of his own party, on the other side of the earth, Taiwan suffers from its biggest political scandal featuring former president Chen Shuibian. I can clearly recall many years ago a friend from Taiwan said to me rather boastfully after the very controversial election, "Taiwan has now advanced to a true democratic society ." I didn't say anything at that time, but now I would probably be able to reply with an evil grin, "Well, we'll see."

In no way defending despotism, I simply don't believe unconditioned democracy is any better in terms of governing a country. Just look at the on going presidential campaign, how far is it from a popularity contest, say American Idol?