Jackson on Democracy

I read Jackson’s column with great interest. The lack of participation in this so-called “democracy” is appalling. But the problem isn’t just that people don’t vote, or don’t get to vote. Jackson didn’t take the issue far enough.

A democracy is, by definition, only as good as the extent to which the people participate in it. The dictionary defines democracy as a “Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives” (American Heritage Dictionary).

It is not enough to just vote every four years, if, in between elections, the only people elected officials hear from are special interests and lobbyists. We must communicate our feelings and opinions to our elected officials on all issues being considered the year round. Rest assured the special interests and lobbyists do. How can we complain about special interests getting preferential treatment if we have abdicated from real, consistent participation in the process?

The essence of people’s participation, and the greatness of this country, lies in the freedom of choice people have. Action by governmental edict is shallow and meaningless. Action by free choice has meaning and power. Unless we exercise that choice more consistently, and with a greater sense of responsibility for the good of the whole, that ability to choose will atrophy and disappear. And then it will do us no good to blame it on the special interests.

It’s time people really got involved in this so-called “democracy,” if it is to continue to be one.

ALLEN M. ROSENTHAL

Marina del Rey