I used one of Voltaire's quotes in Chapter 3 of my book:
“A democracy should aim at equality, but it can be ruined by a spirit of extreme equality, when each citizen would fain be on a level with those he has chosen to command. Where this is the case, virtue can no longer subsist in the republic. The people are desirous of exercising the functions of the Magistrates, who cease to be revered. The deliberations of the Senate are slighted; all respect is then laid aside for the Senators, and consequently for old age. If there is no more respect for old age, there will be none presently for parents; deference to husbands will be likewise thrown off and submission to masters. This license will soon become general; the people fall into this misfortune when those in whom they confide, desirous of concealing their corruption, endeavor to corrupt them. The people will divide the public money amongst themselves, and having added the administration of affairs to their indolence, will be for blending their poverty with the amusement of luxury.”
Voltaire
We can take this quote of Voltaire's in two ways:
1) It is starting to look like he was right. The English made a big mistake in 1688 in creating a functional parliament. We should have never gone down this path.
OR
2) Even though it starting to look like Voltaire was right, western democracy did have a 300-year run. It created a lot of opportunities for many people and their children to elevate their societal position with their smarts and hard work.
So where do we go next? Tessa's argument seems to be shaping up to a dictatorship of some kind. But I doubt she wants the dictator the USA seems to be leaning towards these days. It's doubtful Tessa and other Medium political contributors will have much short-term influence to counter the social/political forces that seem to be shaping up.
May I suggest that USA look at the Nordic model of democracy? After taking a look at this democracy, how about the USA leapfrogs past this model into a democracy that is even better.
Unfortunately, if we are waiting for someone wealthy, powerful, famous, and/or academically inclined, we will have a long wait. This new democracy will be built by the people.
Full chapter to the Voltaire quote is here:
http://www.tiereddemocraticgovernance.org/tdg-chapter.php?id=3
This webpage is where you will learn about this new democracy.
