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Both Democracy and Theocracy Can Turn Idolatrous
Given the election-related turmoil in the Islamic Republic of Iran, can democracy ever take hold in a theocracy? How should the Obama administration respond to the disputed election and to Iran's ruling clerics?
It's easy to point out the myriad ways in which theocracies fail and even easier to offer platitudes about the inherent goodness of democracy, especially as current events unfold in Iran. But like it or not, all such observations miss the obvious truth. There have been many theocratic governments that accomplished much good for the governed and advanced the quality of life for all under their control, regardless of faith. And more than a few despots and mass murderers have risen to power on the strength of a popular election.
The question is not which system is best; it's which values we hold most dear. Of course that's a difficult question for which to assume responsibility, and the track record of those who failed to appreciate that fact has not been so good. That is why one of the values worthy of building in to any political system is the humility to acknowledge that very fact. But one could imagine theocracies whose understanding of God did just that, and just as easily, we can recall populist movements arrogantly practicing what Tocqueville called tyranny of the majority.
Political systems, whether theocratic or democratic, are simply vehicles for the realization of the values we cherish. The real issue is what values do we think are most worthy of animating our political systems? For some the answer to that question is found in a holy book. For others it is found in the collective experience of humankind. But it is always a choice that each of us makes and the political systems for which we advocate reflect those choices.
Would any of us be comfortable with a democratically elected government which set about murdering a particular minority within their nation? Of course not. Why? Because the value of human life and the obligation to protect those with less power and influence by virtue of their minority status, are values that many of us hold dear.
Would we truly object to a government taking its cues from a particular religion which taught that all people should be governed equally and that the rights of all people had to be protected fully without respect to their religion? I hope not. But not because theocracy is good, but because we are committed to the fullest possible inclusion of the governed and offering equal rule under the law for all citizens.
To be sure, democracy is based upon the value of people participating in the decision-making processes of government, and that is one more value worthy of celebration. But not because democracy is inherently good, or even necessarily better than theocracy. It's because over time, systems which have included the voice of the governed as fully as possible, and create regular opportunities to revisit past decisions through the ballot box, have preserved human dignity more effectively than any other system.
The truth is that for me, and millions of other people, that is also a faith-based principle. Does that make me a theocrat? I don't think so, but it really doesn't matter. Why? Because people, not systems, are ultimately what are important. Remaining cognizant of that, is what separates healthy faith, be it religious or political, from idolatry.
Those systems which respect and value people best are themselves best. Of course, proponents of both systems argue that is what they each do. In truth, there are ways in which theocracies do that better and there are many more in which democracies do so. But if either sits back and assumes that theirs is automatically the way to go, then we are all in trouble - a true clash of civilizations. If however, each approach to government made a point of learning from the other, the weaknesses of each could be more effectively addressed and the strengths of each more effectively built upon.
It's about serving people, not propping up a particular system for its own sake. That's the most important thing to remember when it comes to any system of government.
By
Brad Hirschfield
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June 17, 2009; 12:05 PM ET
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Posted by: HumanSimpleton | June 30, 2009 2:24 AM
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Below is the most recent update on the doings of the "Supreme Leader" of Iran. This is being watched very carefully all over the ME, in Asia, parts of Africa. Those I'm in touch with, former students, colleagues, friends are staunch enemies of "political correctness." They prefer human decency and justice. Justice. Which is not to be had, at the moment, in the religious state of IRan. It is a religious state, not a theocracy. I know of no true theocracies in the world. Nor do I know of true democracies.
I do know that in this country, we do not have the paramilitary Basji. I can dress as I like, will not be arrested by the morality police, etc.
Do we have criminals in the Seante? Profiteering on health care? E.g., Sens. Kennedy, Pelosi, Connell, MConell, et al? Yes. Playing with real estate, e.g., Connell, Pelosi, MConell, to the tune of tens of millions, maybe more? Yes. Will they lose their Senate seats? Probably not. They surely won't be indicted any time soon, won't be joining Madoff in jail, where they surely belong. Democracy? Equal justice? No. And I could go on. What voice did I have with Iraq? Afghanistan?
But I do believe that I will not be shot by the Basji in the streets, that there is hope for change. That if we could get to the streets maybe some who belong in jail would go there, and we would not be shot.
They are shooting the students in the streets of IRan. Watch it. Iran, that beautiful country, after all its decades of suffering, suffers on.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/19/world/worldwatch/entry5096912.shtml
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IranWatch: June 19
Posted by CBSNews.com
For highlights of previous coverage, see IranWatch: June 18, June 17
Updated 3:30 p.m. Eastern: Reading the mood on the ground: The depth of the disconnect
IranWatch:
Updated 3:30 p.m. Eastern: Reading the mood on the ground: The depth of the disconnect
Politics is as much about symbolism as anything.
While domestic critics urge President Barack Obama to make a more forceful statement about the situation in Iran, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution today that supports "all Iranians who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law" and condemned " the ongoing violence against demonstrators." (Apropos, here's a video of one such clash:)
Posted by: Farnaz1Mansouri1 | June 19, 2009 4:36 PM
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It is indeed easy to pass judgment on what is a better system, based on our assumptions and preconditioning, and seek no further knowledge or understanding of what we deem inferior after judgment is passed. We do not easily revisit evaluation of a system once we have judged it as inferior, and particularly after judging it as destructive or negative.
The pervasive perception in America is that the Iranian government is dangerous and evil, no good for anyone but the bearded hierarchy. But is that true? There are many reports of great improvements that have been made in the lives of the people and the health of the country since the Revolution.
Is it better than a democracy? The answer is not black and white. Perhaps one should ask the people, (as is going on now!), than stay with preconceptions. Any system moves, and evolves, at the rate that is appropriate for it, and should be given the space to do so. Even if one believes that democracy is the best available governmental system, it clearly fails miserably at times. Look, we elected a President that took us headlong into war in the Middle East, then reelected him as he continued the war against terrorism. The results seem catastrophically bad, from this viewing point. A surplus was turned into a massive deficit, monetarily as well as morally. Allowing the financial sector to "self-regulate" has cost us hundreds of BILLIONS of dollars. Cronyism and the good (white) boy mentality has brought this democracy from sterling to leaden.
One could argue that the Supreme Leadership of Iran has acted with more care for their people than some of our supreme leaders....
Rabbi Hirshfield makes some good points.
Posted by: justillthen | June 18, 2009 1:32 PM
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When you mix religion and politics, you get politics.
Posted by: Paganplace | June 18, 2009 11:13 AM
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That's the Best sales pitch I've seen in this pit. I'm not buying it.
Common language, Experiences vs. Education.
Street fighter vs. Trained boxer. I'll use the chair and whatever else I can get my hands on. There is no such thing as a fair fight. Protests of the past?
And Corrupt governments,etc recognizing those that put people, house and "Family" first,separate and plot accordingly.
Educated often look after younger educated.
Street wise, on occasion, look after street wise. There's more respect if one operates independently. What I find funny is educated often think they are street wise. Street wise can't stand Demeaning educated. Classes.
On occasion, educated (individuals)will take street Wise and educate them, not governments or religions.
I'm sure, as usual I haven't understood the message.
J
Posted by: James210 | June 18, 2009 8:05 AM
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The crowds are of such size that their “movement” is beyond the point of no return.
Change may be slow in coming, nevertheless, it will come.
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http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-dawn-for-iran.html
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Some Mullahs have already headed out of town.
Posted by: JamesRaider | June 17, 2009 11:39 PM
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...and there have been some benevolent dictators and monarchies too!
As to "But not because democracy is inherently good, or even necessarily better than theocracy", surely you jest!
Theocracy is based on humans claiming to have received instructions for governing life, for all eras, from a celestial dictator, who is visibly absent.
Whereas democracy is a form of governance created by and more importantly adjusted by us, the people, based on our needs and our reality.
Like I said, surely you jest!