Global Studies 2A:Comparative Political and Religious Systems
Monday, October 27, 2003
 
Andy Howe
Objective: Our government through the eyes of Plato
In pinpointing the development of our government system rich philosophic views, were used to acquire this philosophical wisdom that lead to the collective belief of ‘democracy,’ or government ruled by the people. This sounds all nice, pretty, and plutonic, but ye eyes are deceived when one applies true plutonic beliefs as the rubric for early American government. Upon holding the original American government system up to enviable this rubric, one can conclude that what is labeled ‘democracy’ through the eyes of Americans of that time does not draw significant enough parallels required to inherit the label of democracy.
First, the ‘democratic’ leaders of the American nation are the richest of the land, are the best educated, and are the most highly respected. This formula instantly creates an aristocratic/oligarchic atmosphere, which is further proceeded by the clear fact that not everyone is politically equal, hence the leader(s) ‘whom we rightly assert that he is both good and just.” (544 e) Leaders during this time in America lead the country with the best interests of the country in mind and not always for themselves by any means. However, they continue to hold traces of old political experiences from Europe, still not having a true democratic government. The population still embraced slavery restricting women, children, and men, who do not own land, from their rightful status as full citizens. They were denied political influence and a chance for high social status through means other than wealth.
Bringing the focus up to the present day, America through the plutonic lens reveals that the country is run by an oligarchic/free market government with democratic views. According to Plato, an oligarchy is “when wealth and the wealthy are honored in a city, virtue and the good men are less honorable.” (551 a) Put another way, this is when a city advocates people higher in government based almost entirely on their superior socioeconomic status. In addition, Plato defines a democratic government as being run by the people, and having free market. Something illuminating success through smart economic decisions and basing business and moneymaking dependent on human interactions, meaning people will be dependent on their city.
Given these economic interests, the government cannot and will not support communism by any means, being that of true socioeconomic equality but lacking true political equality an without representation. It would be impossible to run a country that embraced true democratic political ideals and deny representation. At the same time, oddly, the country confuses its democratic spirit and leadership. The mindless sheep elect leaders with questionable backgrounds but who are popular with the population. Hence eliminating the possibility of any sort of true aristocracy. Ironically, having the population under the illusion that they are being run/running a democratic government, run by the people, where in reality they are being distracted by the competition of free- market, which draws attention away from the government, and by political figures that can be molded by the media to satisfy popular appetites.
Thus, a system of oligarchic/illusions of democracy or skewed interpretations of it; run the country of America in a fairly desirable fashion.

Sunday, October 26, 2003
 
ridicule**** (my deepest apologies)
 
In response to Tobi's question for Aaron (/giggle)
-> When Aaron says this 'baggage' is keeping him from a "higher degree of thinking," maybe he has pre-supposed your example of self-confidence. To me, your example has very little affect on anything new on what Aaron has already said; because, isn't lack of self-confidence just another thing that holds people back from a "higher degree of thinking." For, obviously one could not process information with an impressive level of clarity if they have a mental block(s) such as self-confidence, an enemy of the mind which soils ideas before they can evolve from their womb. Fault due to lack of courage behind the idea, deminishing its existance for fear of public redicule or a product of self protection.
Does this clear anything up?


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