Week 34.
Those who argue that democracy is the apex of human governance need reminding of the most fundamental point. As Winston Churchill astutely observed: ”Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time”. It is messy and flawed and maddeningly unhurried. But it is nevertheless the form of government best suited to rein in our own worst impulses, as well as the worst among us. And to protect us from both.
Some of my friends have watched, bemused, the tortured unfolding of the democratic process in the United States these past weeks. Smugly claiming superiority of Canada’s democratic model - the constitutional monarchy that few Canadians actually understand.
While they are correct, they are also uncharitable.
For much of our lives, Canadians have been envious of our American friends. Envious and conflicted. Envious at their overwhelming economic and social and military and scientific power and influence. Conflicted because, at bottom, we know that our existence has stemmed largely from the fact we are not, and have historically refused to be, American. On the whole, America was seen as admirable. Its flaws seemed few. Now, even if Trump loses next week, I doubt we will ever look at them the same way again. There will always be disappointment, tinged with sadness, like when your neighbours install an above ground pool.
We have had front row seats to watch a nation in chaos.
Where free speech has come to mean that everyone can talk, but no one need listen.
Where sick people die because they can’t afford to live.
Where wildfires and protests burn out of control.
Where people must line up for 8 hours simply to exercise their right to vote.
Where voter suppression is so rampant that a single mail-in drop off box in an electoral district with over 2 million people is somehow considered acceptable.
Where Walmart pulls firearms and ammunition off its shelves ahead of anticipated civil unrest following next week’s election. Where Walmart sells firearms and ammunition, in the first place.
And the final calamity. That, regardless of the outcome on November 4, Trump may ultimately win. By a vote of 6 to 3.
Such things are unthinkable here.
And if Americans cannot rise above all of it next week, America will cease to be an inspiration.
Although it will be an education.
Elder Advice? All of us in the West lose if the great American experiment falters. So wish all our American friends godspeed in the coming days. There is nothing gained by “putting on airs”, as my mother would say. By acting as if We the North be We the Greatest. Now is no time for braggarts or blowhards or snobs.
To be clear, I am not a snob. Ask anyone. Well … anyone who matters.