We are a republic
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In his Feb. 6 column "We Are Not a Democracy: One Person, One Vote Is Not How It Works; We Can Do Better," Dan Simpson states: "Please don't tell me that we have a democracy."
OK, Mr. Simpson. The United States does not have a democracy. The country was founded as and remains a republic. As such, we elect individuals to represent us in Congress and to make decisions on our behalf.
The founding fathers of our great nation were geniuses. The main architect of our constitution, James Madison, fervently studied the various forms of political practice throughout the world and drew up a plan for American government that remains the brightest hope for freedom and equality on earth. Yes, the United States form of politics is not perfect, but it is still the best.
The idea of one person, one vote may sound good. But that can lead to a majority that governs impulsively based on the popular wave of the day and does not consider long-term consequences. Just as the Electoral College ensures that the big population clusters of the United States do not command all the attention of the president, a republic offers better safeguards to protect individual liberty.
As someone who was once a member of the U.S. government, Mr. Simpson should understand this.
MATTHEW CLARK
Plum
First Published February 11, 2013 12:00 am
