DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA FREEDOM OR FALLACY
4:47 AM March 25, 2008
Here’s the dictionary definition so we’re all on the same page: Democracy: a government by the people in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.
I think we all are smart enough to know why this system of government was chosen by our forefathers. So every citizen of this country has the right to live in freedom and participate in their day to day and long-term destiny through the ability to vote for public officials, speak out for what they believe to be right and just, communicate with members of any level of government if they desire, and stand up to be counted as an important member of a nation - and not live just as a number or a faceless entity on a census report.
Monarchies and Dictatorships are relics of the past. Though some still exist. Their basis of control can only be fear and intimidation. The unfortunate citizens of Nazi Germany obeyed Hitler’s doctrine because they feared for their lives. Not because he kissed babies in public or that he had a lovely singing voice. In the year 1215 King John of England faced a mutiny by his Knights and Noblemen due to his greed-driven policies of taxing the citizenry when he felt like it. Mainly for his own personal gain. He was accountable to no one. His hand was forced to sign the Magna Carta - the “Great Charter”; the first comprehensive document in history that made members of government accountable to the laws of the land just as any ordinary citizen. That document changed the dynamic of civilized society for all time.
This was not intended to be yet another dissertation on the morality of war in Iraq. But just as an F.Y.I. since we’re on the subject of democracy; our men and women in uniform are over there fighting for freedom, liberty and democracy. Not for oil, not to support a wayward political agenda or any of the popular poison darts that ill-informed citizens throw at members of our Government. We’ll talk more about moral responsibility and isolation versus intervention another time. Here are a couple of quotations to think about:
“Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the
individual who can labor in freedom.”
- Albert Einstein
“In separateness lies the world’s great misery;
in compassion lies the world’s true strength.”
- Buddah
I feel the U.S. Government does a rather good job of maintaining democracy as stated in our Constitution. Take pride in the fact that the United States is the product of the only large-scale revolution that has survived. 232 years and counting. Communism in Russia: 74 years. Now here’s the twist. The “Fallacy” in the title header is not aimed necessarily at the government. Look over the fence at the private sector.
Enron, Worldcom, Tyco, Credit Suisse, Adelphia, Compass Systems, Phar-Mor and Halliburton. To name but a few. BILLIONS of dollars stolen by corporate dictators who fell in love with their own “legend.” How many innocent Americans have paid for their greed?
The now jailed Bernie Ebbers of Worldcom claimed that he “needed” the $366 MILLION dollars he helped himself to personally, to “take care of his family.” Who’s his family? The population of Mainland China?
It all rolls downhill. It just isn’t part of human nature to be automatically philanthropic - or democratic. Not the noun that infers partisan politics; the adjective that means making decisions by committee. Considering the feelings, wants, needs and opinions of others before making policy. It doesn’t matter how big or small the company or organization is. Too often, people interpret positions of authority as a license to be a bully. If they only realized how counterproductive that is. It manifests anger, frustration, resistance, and wasted time. It ends up hurting everyone one way or another.
True “democracy” in decision-making is having empathy. Asking the people in your charge how they feel about something; their opinion; their ideas. I bet the managers of the world would be surprised, if not amazed at how bright a lot of their people really are. The question is - do they care enough to do that, or do they fear the possibility that someone just might “steal their thunder.” What do you think?
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My husband and I are taking an Inro to Government class right now and enjoyed your blog. It did get a bit confusing though when you kind of shifted gears. Maybe it was just a bit too much information,it did wake us up though. Maybe it needs to be read a paragraph at a time, and then chew on each section for a while.
Posted by: Kathy McBride | March 25, 2008 at 09:34 AM
America was founded a Constitutional Republic not so much a Democracy.
Now a days it represents Fascism more than anything.
Posted by: anonymous - 818 | March 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM
America was founded a Constitutional Republic not so much a Democracy.
Now a days it represents Fascism more than anything.
Posted by: anonymous - 818 | March 25, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Mark, Thank you for having the moxie to say what alot of us think,& don't have a good place to say it. We are not fighting for oil or Papa Bush's problems. God Bless our Service men,women & their families. I have 2 Grandsons fighting for our country & am very proud of them.
Bev in Hemet
Posted by: Beverly | March 25, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Mark I love that you let it all hang out. I find your points of view and comments to be stimulating. And I admire that you take the teasing and laugh at yourself.
You are a terrific reporter / entertainer.
Posted by: Robin (male) in San Diego | March 25, 2008 at 10:33 AM
IF WE FILED THIS INITIATIVE DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE VOTED INTO LAW?: We the PEOPLE of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA having passed this initiative into law by a majority vote DEMAND that; 1: Any initiative after this date (current date), put on the ballot and passed by a majority vote by the PEOPLE shall not be overturned by any judge in any court, State or Federal. 2: Any special interest group in disagreement with an initiative passed by a majority vote by the PEOPLE, has the right to try to counter the newly passed law by going through the initiative process, filing a new initiative to be brought up for vote by the PEOPLE. 3: Any judge or person appointed or voted into their position of PUBLIC TRUST, who tries to block this law in any way, other then going through the initiative process and putting it up for a vote by the PEOPLE, shall be immediately terminated from their position of PUBLIC TRUST.
just a thought
Why do things seem so hard to change, when we know what we all want.....PEACE!
gapt;1987
Posted by: george poray | March 25, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Hi Mark:
I remember your fist day on the job at KTLA..alot of water under the bridge since then, huh? I have enjoyed your broadcasts very much over the years, and after so many personel changes, especially in the last year, it's great to still be able to start my mornings off with your wit, charm and humor. I don't always agree with what you say, but that is the beauty of our country isn't it? Freedom of speech is a right that the majority of us hardly think about and definitely take for granted. The adverse affect of being blessed in this country is that because we don't know what it is like to grow up and exist without our freedoms, we have nothing with which to compare, and therefore the result is complacency and entitlement. We all need to take a moment and realize that, even with our problems in this country, it still is the greatest country in the world. If we all just took a moment and developed some gratitude for our blessings, solutions would be inevitable!
Keep on rockin' Mark!! Enjoy your freedoms!!!
Posted by: Dot | March 25, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Mark, my good fellow. Thank you for taking the time to express an informed and reasonable point of view that is so simple and yet so rare. I have always found it strange that common sense is not very common. Keep your sense of humor - it will help you live longer.
Jason M.
(just a fan)
Posted by: Jason M | March 25, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Mark, regardless of some negative feedback keep up those thoughts coming. I enjoy all your blogs, they are always so intresting. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Belen Cardoza | March 25, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Just to say that I love your blogs. I'm a bit blogged out right now otherwise I could think of a hundred things to post here, but I won't. Keep up the good work, and yes, corporate greed is a big problem in this country, but so are the politicians who let it happen..oops, there I go. To all the servicemen and women fighting this nasty, useless war..bless you and come home safe.
Posted by: Laura | March 25, 2008 at 03:22 PM
soooo... you had some of the Kool-Aid
that was way in the back in the Green
Room fridge.... okay... the facts of life..
Mark... there is no Easter Bunny... Santa Claus does'nt have a union shop.... and
if you blink... they will change the Game
on you in a New York minute.... when you begin to understand is when the rice trails disappear and you are on your
own.... GPS doesnt go that deep but will stay in your mind ..as you sleep
we are now living most deeply the prose of 1984... its not a hologram...
Mark.... it's IMAX...
lamesabassman.... which way is the front..
Posted by: lamesabassman | March 25, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Mark, As always your blogs are excellent for discussion. I have seen managers with the openness to listen to the suggestions of their employees. I have heard managers say, "I don't want to hear it." Managers are people and we are all different. We all are constantly learning as we live our lives. I have no doubt that there have been managers who would not listen but in time have changed. Different situations often determine the reasoning for one's attitude.
Regarding your poison dart comment, I will express my differing opinion on another night.
Posted by: George the Rat | March 25, 2008 at 10:20 PM
All I have to say is SPP, The Amero, Open border policy, the OPEC, The Fence that borders Mexico, how much bush and the elite make from the war. Who profits from the land once we take over The Middle East and The Netherlands. I enjoy how the media hides the real news and crooks. Can you really sleep at night knowing you feed the world one sided info. Please Talk to your producers these issue's need to be public. The US, Canada, and Mexico are about to become one. The constitution os being rewritten everyday to fit some fake patriot act. Never heard about that on your news or any other station for that matter. Last thing. If we all stop driving and become Americans we can lower gas prices. Why do we work for the government ? Because we don't talk to each other because of race,religion,or just stupidity. Segregation=Government Power.
Love,Peace and Communication= One World United For Peace. Feel Free To email me.
Posted by: Gee | March 26, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Wow Mark I don't know who wrote this for you nor do I care, this is beautiful and well written. QUESTION? Has your management read this piece, maybe they should?
Posted by: Charlene | March 26, 2008 at 08:20 AM
One thing that I find funny is that people take your blogs so serious. You aren't running for president, you are just the best weather man in the morning. People, including your fellow co-workers, should stop being so judgemental and let the you blow off some steam! We all have the right to express ourselves. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Dean | March 26, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Mark you have written so much which needs to be read and admired. Beautifully written, I agre with Charlene. this should be read by your higher ups
Posted by: diane mcdonald | March 26, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Hello Mark
Well This time I finally came to tears as I read what most of us want to say but can't or won't. Welldone keep up the good work and for those who do not see the point of Mark's words just take a good look at how the presidential campaing is going.
Thanks Mark.
Claudia from Palmdale.
Posted by: Claudia | March 26, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Jessica wants to sit on your lap while you do the weather? She says in the nicest way...I can just picture Borat saying, "Nice, Very Nice!"
Posted by: George the Rat | March 27, 2008 at 05:51 AM
Unfortunately the corporations ARE pulling the strings and we no longer have anything resembling a democracy. Most people believe we do, because several of those corporations tell us we do 24 hours a day. Cheney has accomplished what he wanted to do 30 years ago. Shred the constitution. And as another blogger points out, he has converted his assets from US Dollars and ready to escape to Dubai. Oh, and the founding fathers created a Democratic REPUBLIC. They never intended for everyone to have the vote and would have rolled over in their grave in the 1830's when that changed.
Posted by: Sharon | March 27, 2008 at 07:09 AM
This blog really touched me. Particularly the Buddha quote and your last two paragraphs...brought a tear to my eye and we should all take to heart. Soooo good. Thank you for sharing. I enjoy reading your blogs 'Mark'.
Posted by: A~1 | March 27, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Those quotes by Einstein and Buddha were good but I feel a little bit hurt. I'm usually humble but still I wish you would have listed my "He That Is Without Sin, Let Him Cast the First Stone." I've got a million of them. Just call 1-800-FINDHEAVEN.
Posted by: Jesus | March 27, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Mark your the best. I have been watching you from the beginning. I love your wit and humor. The 9:00 format has to go, bring the guys back - it was much more interesting. How do you stay so young. Is it botox or the whole nine yards ( face lift) what about the hair plugs? I still love you ........
Teresa
Posted by: Teresa | March 27, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Well, I waited a while to chime in on this one - but I have to address the two posts directly above me.
Teresa - I'm certain you mean well in your post, and I am in TOTAl agreement that the repugnantly offensive 9:00 hour must be euthanized before it becomes a contagious disease or something. As for Mark; you give him a bit of a left-handed compliment. Somewhat like telling a 350 pound woman "oh but you have such a pretty face..." I've seen Mark in local stores and the market (out of makeup) and he hasn't had all of that surgical BS. He obviously just takes care of himself. Good solid Nova Scotia stock. As with all his loyal viewers, I'm sure he still loves you too.
Now go two posts up and find a message from above(?). Talk about stealing fire from the gods. Well, best not fool around with a deity - so sometime soon blog about human morality and unjust persecution and you can use Mr.J's quote [cue Twilight Zone extro theme]. SO TAKE THAT ERIC SPILLMAN! Mark Kriski got a post from Jesus. When you treat the weather with respect - good things happen to you.
Cheers - Shane
p.s. 1-800-FINDHEAVEN... is like Mapquest, or something through the Auto Club?
Posted by: Shane | March 27, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Hey, someone was just having a little fun. Don't take life so seriously. Don't lose your head over it. Believe me I know.
Posted by: John the Bapist | March 27, 2008 at 08:18 PM
John is that you. Hey you can't even spell your name right. It's Baptist! How is Aunt Elizabeth? Hey let's do lunch. Go over to Jessica's blog and check out her restaurant tip. Say, Saturday about noon.
Posted by: Jesus | March 27, 2008 at 08:21 PM