The Government You Deserve?

[Eichhörnchen]

I once heard the contentious view expressed that, by and large, people get the government they deserve.

I've often pondered this but there is, I'm sure, no definitive answer: only debate. Many factors will influence the quality of life of a population, like the attitude of the outside world to its Government, or whether or not that Government is wedded to an ideology of some kind.

We can all name countries where people have it hard, but how much is this down to them?

I'm not a politician, psychologist nor an economist, so I expect not to be making any further contribution to this thread, but I am certainly avidly awaiting any thoughts or opinions on the subject...

[Skybird]

You are German-speaking, right?

LINK1

Link2

Introductions, yes, covering just some aspects. But it was me from whom you heard that "contentious" remark (at least I said right that often enough), and I stick to it with regard to countries in other cultures and on other continents as well. There is no shortcuts for evolutionary development, and civilisations and societies that do not undertake certain steps, will be missing certain phases and achievments - for the better or worse then often is interpretation by those ending up in power.

[Eichhörnchen]

Thank you for your prompt response, Skybird.

I have to be honest and say that I heard this sentiment expressed long before I came to Subsim and no, I'm afraid that German isn't my first language (even though I know a fair bit) but thanks for your kind links anyway...

[Onkel Neal]

In a functional democracy, people do get the government they deserve. How could it be otherwise? They selected the government.

[Wolferz]

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

In a functional democracy, people do get the government they deserve. How could it be otherwise? They selected the government.

It's a good thing that we are a Democratic Republic, yes?

[Eichhörnchen]

In a functional democracy, sure. But I mean in all circumstances, all countries.

[ExFishermanBob]

I think a quick review of voting systems might make you reflect on 'deserve' and democracy...and if we vote for them, surely they should be the servants, not the government.

[Eichhörnchen]

In a democracy I'm sure we all are agreed that the Government of the day are our servants. But by "government" in this question, I mean the word as used in the sense of "regime". I guess I should've been more precise there...

[Oberon]

That's a tricky one...in the theory, as Neal has already said, then yeah, we do...but there's so much money from large corporations and rich people entering the system and distorting it that the people at the top no longer understand the people at the bottom.
If this was not the case there would not be a rising popularity with fringe parties such as UKIP and the Tea Party.

[BossMark]

The government you\we deserve

Do we deserve our government-no bloody way

Did we vote for our government-also no bloody way

Over to you STEED.........

[Eichhörnchen]

I maybe should've seen that coming! Someone also once said "It doesn't matter who you vote for, the bloody Government still gets in..."

[Platapus]

One of the hardest things to accept in any democratic system is that there will be times when you don't get your individual way nor will your individual opinions govern decisions.

[mapuc]

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

In a functional democracy, people do get the government they deserve. How could it be otherwise? They selected the government.

Could this be because the people are naive or what.

Before and election the politician say exactly the things the votes want to hear-after the election-the politician seems to have forgot that. And the votes are angry.

Markus

[Catfish]

Search for "Deep state", on the 'net.

It is no conspiracy, nor is it invincible, but it is a powerful conglomerate to shift political power into a certain direction. It does not always work, it does not even pull the same strings or is co-ordinated, but it explains [ahems] like Cheney, and how they come into possession of power.
It seems that most people duck and cover when such [ahems] arrive on the scene. And more intelligent and educated people prefer not to intervene, because this aggressive and brutal [ahem] knows no scruples. They are literally walking over the dead.

Do i deserve my chancellor? I would not want to be judged by that, however what is the alternative.
I did not vote for her, but more than 50 percent of the voting (!) majority obviously did (60-70 percent do not go to elections anymore, in Germany). It is strange that in a democracy, a professor of sociological degree has the same power, as ye olde grandma up in the mountains.

However it certainly is not so, because manipulation and influence completely overthrows the basically good intentions. I do not think the english of House of Lords and House of Commons, or the US system of electoral delegates recruiting from certain social classes, are real democracies. Neither the german ystem, of course.

Democracy was much more basic democratic back then than today (as we understand it nowadays), however it was easy to have a "democracy" while having slaves, doing the work for you – as in ancient Greece.

Some say this has never changed.

[ExFishermanBob]

Things can be changed - but it takes time and knowledge of how to work things. I would suggest searching for the "overton window".