International Day of Democracy

International Day of Democracy

15 September 2014

Stes de Necker

Press Statement

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

September 15, 2014

“There are few ideas more powerful – more infused with universal aspiration – than democracy.

The desire for democracy is shared by people the world over. The privilege to vote, the freedom to speak your mind, the right to a government by the people and for the people, these are ideas that continue to inspire – from the Egyptians who took to Tahrir Square, to democracy activists in Burma, to the brave Ukrainians who took to the ballot box earlier this year.

Today we recognize International Day of Democracy, a day set aside to a way of life that allows each and every citizen to participate in his or her government. This year’s theme – Engaging Young People on Democracy – powerfully underscores the importance of youth in building and preserving democracy.

Democratic societies are strong societies, because people are free to speak out against injustices and to discuss, debate, and work together to drive positive change – even with those who hold opposing views. In a democracy, we are free to choose our leaders, hold government institutions accountable, and work with those institutions to build a more stable and prosperous future for all members of our society.

As the United States works to strengthen our democracy at home, we will continue to support those around the world fighting for their voices to be heard.”

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 A few days ago I posted a comment on Facebook saying that democracy carries within itself the germ of its own destruction.

Today is International Day of Democracy and as much as I want to support and agree with Secretary Kerry, I regard it my duty to seriously warn all readers against Secretary Kerry’s unqualified statement that “In a democracy, we are free to choose our leaders, hold government institutions accountable, and work with those institutions to build a more stable and prosperous future for all members of our society.”

The previous Secretary General of the UN said that as long as societies shout and scream, leaders would tend to listen. But when society does not continuously scream and shout at their leaders, the leaders seem to get complacent and start doing what they want.

Today Iran and Iraq stand as grim reminders of so called Parliamentary Democracies gone terribly wrong.

Last night we learned that Brazil has now been taken over by a Communist Regime, only to read today (15/09/2014) that there are already some American politicians who are already concerned about the expansion of Communism so close to America.

Western Democracy, as we know it, is only as strong as the people living under it, are prepared to protect and safeguard their democratic rights and privileges.

A COMPLACENT DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY IS A DYING SOCIETY.