Do we truly live in a democratic society?

Just under a week ago, John Dunn, Emeritus Professor of Political Theory at King’s College, Cambridge, gave a speech with the headline “Why Democracy Disappoints”. Among many thought provoking things he said one stood out for me in particular and I’d like many of you to ask this question yourself as well.

Do we actually live in a democratic society?

We certainly can vote for who will sit in our parliament and who will be the president. But what impact do we have on decision making?

What sort of “people’s power” does the populace possess that truly keeps the government in line with the best interests of the people?

A founding father of the US put it quite aptly: “When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny”.

Muse upon the situation in Ireland and you’ll quite quickly come to the conclusion that the society we live in is anything but free.

Alexander Homits

An Caislean

Ballincollig,

Co Cork