Myth #1: Democracy and Liberty are Synonymous
April 16,2007

While on a self-imposed hiatus, PurpleThink never stopped reading, analyzing, and questioning. It would be impractical to resurrect the many insights we had, but we have a good compromise. Several months of political wrangling can be summarized by dismissing some political myths. Below is the first in a series of these reflections.

Bush has seemingly staked his presidency on the misguided belief that Iraq’s burgeoning democracy will establish a beacon of freedom in the Mid East. This approach is flawed from the beginning.

First, understand that democracy is simply a set of processes and institutions. To engage in democracy requires no personal commitment to any philosophy or ideology. Deeply ingrained attitudes and beliefs cannot be changed through the ministerial act of voting.

Democracy is a tool -- one that can be used and misused. Americans refuse to confront this fact and act surprised when people elect a theocracy. Islamic fundamentalists, communists, fascists and other authoritarians can be the products of a democracy. Democracy is a means to an end – never an end in itself. The Declaration of Independence didn’t just precede the Constitution – it was a pre-requisite for the Constitution.

The real goal is liberty. Unlike democracy, to embrace liberty is to adopt a series of attitudes and beliefs. These new attitudes and beliefs are inconsistent with Islamic fundamentalism, fascism, communism, and all forms of authoritarianism – period.

Bush often states that it is bigoted for anyone to believe the Iraqis are incapable of embracing freedom. We agree. However, it’s folly to say this and then force-feed democracy on a population not yet willing to accept liberty for its people.

Coming up:

Myth 2: Free trade requires complex treaties.

Myth 3: Economic expansion, national defense, and global warming mitigation are mutually exclusive.

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