Begging Your Pardon
And an article from the archives about the ways democracy has changed across generations.
Hey everyone,
My wife used to be a preschool teacher, and she will attest to one fact: no one ever believes their kid did anything bad. Or if they did, maybe did you try asking him nicely to stop? He doesn't like to be yelled at.
That's why it’s not surprising to me that President Biden pardoned his son. I wouldn't expect anything different.
Today's article.
As you know, I'm spending more time letting my brain gain back some of its moisture, not to mention walking around the house wearing socks. That means I've decided to pull out the old articles you've missed that are still relevant today.
Some time ago, I wrote a series about the changes across cultures over generations and how that appears when it comes to certain issues. In this piece, I covered the changes in democracy as a concept we in America have come to take for granted. The core features of democracy are the following:
- Citizen participation in government
- Free speech and freedom of the press
- Respect for basic human rights
- Separation of powers in government
- Respect for the rule of law
Many of these features still exist, but none are without scars. This is not just in America nor is it limited to one candidate or party. Some studies say the bedrock of democracy is in decline around the world. Confidence in elections is down, Russia is consolidating its autocratic power by invading a neighboring democracy. South Korea faced a crisis this week as its President declared martial law to stifle protests from his opposition. Syria is in a civil war and Iran has been gaining power and influence in America as an antagonist of democracy. Even in the US, Democrats have been saying that if you want your vote to count, you have only one choice but to vote for them—ironically not a democratic idea. Meanwhile, the President-Elect is appointing empty suits and TV hosts to line his cabinet with yes men while he talks about prosecuting the media he doesn’t like.
What is more striking is the way public opinion has changed when it comes to democratic values. Democracy lives ultimately in the minds and mood of those who enjoy it.
The article was released back in October of 2022, but as it is an examination of history, you may find it as relevant two years later. From the article:
In the 90s, Generation X lifted up democracy by creating entire music festivals and TV marathons where everyone lauded the fact that the power of one's vote mattered. To Gen Xers, democracy was celebrated like the life-changing innovation of email, something you would go out of your way to get 180 hours of access to, or at least to the mailbox every couple of weeks. Email at the time may have only been an easier way to turn a business rival into an online romance, a la You've Got Mail, but we all knew it would become something we couldn't live without. Your voice mattered whether it was expressed in an AOL chat room or through the chads on a voter ballot, hanging or otherwise.
Enjoy it in full below.
Generational Change: The Game of Democracy
Democracy is not being tested. It's on life support. Examining how our views of democracy have changed and how it may not be a certainty in our future.
Daniel Herndon
Have a great weekend!