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Thread: Plato, the Republic

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    Plato, the Republic

    For ages there had been debates over the ideal form of government and economy. Capitalism, communism, socialism or a mix of different systems. Contemporary governments have mixed democratic, oligarchic and monarchic elements. Karl Popper defined democracy in contrast to dictatorship or tyranny, thus focusing on opportunities for the people to control their leaders and to oust them without the need for a revolution.

    The world is changing and people are fed up with bloated politicians who are there only to feed on corruption and line their own pockets. In ancient Greece, where we believe democracy started, (Greek: δημοκρατία dēmokratía, "rule by [the] people") every citizen was obliged to take his turn in government or lose his citizenship. Serving in Government, was an unpaid onus that nobody wanted to endure for longer than was necessary. This is in contrast to the high paying R1mil plus salaries earned by politicians today. No wonder they are killing each other to get the top jobs!

    Democracy is not the right to vote, it is the responsibility to act in the best interests of the community and to help steer it on the best path for all. I remember a time when councilors did not receive salaries and were paid a small allowance for attending meetings, phone calls etc.

    In ancient Greece, corruption was regarded as treason and punishable by death. Once a year citizens would consider individuals too powerful or dangerous to the city and by vote, exile them for 10 years. They then had 10 days to put their affairs in order and leave. If this was applied today, we would have nobody left in parliament!
    Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    I predict that there will be a huge shift in the political world post Covid-19. I came across this article which is very alarming. Do you recognize any of this happening in your country now? Considering the control Govt has over just about everything and steps being taken to control even more, one should be worried; very worried.
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    Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

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    Site Caretaker Dave A's Avatar
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    Looking locally, I suggest our greatest democratic weakness right now is that we vote for parties, not people. It gives the small collective that decides who gets the party seat all the power, not the majority of constituents voting who's interests are supposed to be represented by this person...

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    Diamond Member Blurock's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave A View Post
    Looking locally, I suggest our greatest democratic weakness right now is that we vote for parties, not people. It gives the small collective that decides who gets the party seat all the power, not the majority of constituents voting who's interests are supposed to be represented by this person...
    Agreed, Dave. The ANC leaders have repeatedly stated that the party comes before the country. There is no patriotism and in stead of asking "what can I do for my country" their view is "what can this country do for me". They have now emptied the coffers as predicted by Moeletsi Mbeki: Architects of Poverty. Why African Capitalism Needs Changing, Central Books, April 2009. Voting for a party as if it is a lifelong club membership borders on criminality. Every citizen has a duty to vote, not for a party, not for themselves, but for the future of their children. Making the correct, informed decision is therefore paramount to ensuring a stable and sustainable community.
    Excellence is not a skill; its an attitude...

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