The Elite theorists were correct: democracy is a myth. A well organized minority (elite) will inevitably rule a disorganized majority (masses). Furthermore, ideology is subordinate to power–i.e., rationalization is post hoc.
If one accepts this view (which I do), then the day-to-day operations of those who exercise power and influence become clear to see and understand. And, even, dare I say: ‘sensible'.
Therefore, YES, democracy is exactly what they (the elites) say it is. Same for liberty, equality, human rights, etc.
So—What is to be done?
“Clear them out!”
This, of course, does not guarantee that a new cadre of elites will be any better.
In the meantime, our power lies in building small and strong.
Basically the elites are deluding themselves that progress is achieved by tinkering endlessly with 'rights', while in reality failures to uphold rule of law, through mass migration and general lawlessness in inner cities, are of far more importance to ordinary people.
Still their sympathetic media are dutifully performing impressive mental gymnastics to justify this state of affairs, and a cluster of online brands like Foreign Affairs are no exception, look at their coverage of the truckers convoy in Ottowa:
Dunno if you've listened to Mike Benz, but he has a hypothesis that a major disconnect between the hoi poloi and the powers that be is the former conceptualize democracy as a popular vote whereas the latter conceptualize it as "institutional consensus". I think this gels with the circling of the wagons we're seeing institutions engage in when criticized.
The Elite theorists were correct: democracy is a myth. A well organized minority (elite) will inevitably rule a disorganized majority (masses). Furthermore, ideology is subordinate to power–i.e., rationalization is post hoc.
If one accepts this view (which I do), then the day-to-day operations of those who exercise power and influence become clear to see and understand. And, even, dare I say: ‘sensible'.
Therefore, YES, democracy is exactly what they (the elites) say it is. Same for liberty, equality, human rights, etc.
So—What is to be done?
“Clear them out!”
This, of course, does not guarantee that a new cadre of elites will be any better.
In the meantime, our power lies in building small and strong.
Great article as usual.
Basically the elites are deluding themselves that progress is achieved by tinkering endlessly with 'rights', while in reality failures to uphold rule of law, through mass migration and general lawlessness in inner cities, are of far more importance to ordinary people.
Still their sympathetic media are dutifully performing impressive mental gymnastics to justify this state of affairs, and a cluster of online brands like Foreign Affairs are no exception, look at their coverage of the truckers convoy in Ottowa:
https://archive.ph/sg8nQ
Dunno if you've listened to Mike Benz, but he has a hypothesis that a major disconnect between the hoi poloi and the powers that be is the former conceptualize democracy as a popular vote whereas the latter conceptualize it as "institutional consensus". I think this gels with the circling of the wagons we're seeing institutions engage in when criticized.
"It is impossible to justify hierarchy and exclusion in the “marketplace of ideas”"
Really? What about meritocracy as a justification for hierarchy and accountability for one's actions as a justification for exclusion?
weird how supposed forms of "democracy" seem to promote democide...