The events of the last ten years, in #UK and #US politics in particular, but also in #China and #India and #Turkey and throughout #Europe have seriously undermined my faith in #Democracy.
Except that is hasn't. The US interpretation of democracy has somehow become a gold standard. It's now clear that it's broken. But there are other ways of doing democracy. I'm #British, we're a constitutional monarchy, our governance structure is very different to the US, but their influence has poisoned and corrupted our politics because they're seen as something to aspire to. Or they were.
1/?
The fact that #Trump was eligible to run for #President came as quite a surprise to the rest of the world.
I think it's possible to have a healthy balance of democratic and technocratic government, that utilises all our collective skill and knowledge whilst still being overseen by and accountable to the people.
I think that #Lincoln's vision of government "of the people, by the people, for the people" is a noble one, and I take that as a working definition of democracy. But in the present day distortions exist that didn't and couldn't in Lincoln's day. We have to recognise that, and recognise that those three things are not necessarily the same or even immediately compatible, and to make a choice.
2/?
Good government is, I think, in a position of trust. Whether you compare that to a parent or teacher, or to the trustee of a charity, the same principle applies. As a trustee they must balance short term wants and needs with long term interests.
While this #UKLabour government is a definite improvement, and certainly less self-serving, I remain unconvinced that they have or can attain that balance. I don't particularly like #RachelReeves and disagree with her on several key policies, but I think she is taking a longer term view than just the next election cycle, which is something I definitely respect. She is the only one I feel able to say that about. #KierStarmer has compromised on too many things, which I'm very disappointed about, but I'm pleased to see him taking a firmer position with #Trump about #Ukraine.