Alan S. Austin
Arizona Playwright • Writer • Poet
  

What to Love About Democracy (6/13)

In Arizona the Attorney General is suing the Governor, both newly elected democrats. Where else in the world does this happen? No country I know of. Don't you love it? It's called democracy. It's the rule of law. Follow the law or you get sued. Of course laws need to change. That's why we have elections to local and national bodies which write the laws. In Arizona in 1867 women didn't have the vote. They do now and their voices are loud and clear. And we still have trial by jury, an ancient tradition. A past President was judged by 12 of his fellow citizens on the evidence and found guilty. Nobody is above the law. Rich or poor. Having money and the best lawyers didn't make a difference. In 2024 France, India, South Africa, England, Germany and the US are in the midst of democratic elections to their legislative bodies. The right to vote in free, fair, open elections is a basic human right won over many centuries in these countries and others. It's messy, unpredictable, creates uncertainty and at times bitterness but it brings about change and above all keeps at bay tyrants who want to impose their rule by force. We must all be guardians of democracy.