Democracy Archives — News From London, Ontario, And Beyond

Close Elections Force Us to Ask Unpleasant Questions about Democracy

November 2, 2020 – Ryan McMaken …… A very close or contested election would remind us that elections do not demonstrate “the will of the people” and that national unity is founded on some very fragile myths. Continue reading →

Small Countries Are Better: They’re Often Richer and Safer Than Big Countries

February 19, 2020 – Ryan McMaken …… Smaller countries have often been shown to perform better than large countries in terms of overall income and in economic growth. Also, their populations often enjoy more healthy and safe social environments. Continue reading →

The State Owns You: The Problem with “National Service”

February 9, 2020 – Tyler Curtis …… All arguments in favor of mandatory service rest on the idea that an individual’s life belongs not to him- or herself, but to the state. Continue reading →

Why Democracy Doesn’t Give Us What We Want

February 7, 2020 – Gary M. Galles …… Uncritically holding democracy out as an ideal overlooks the question of whether market democracy or political democracy better serves citizens. Continue reading →

Deadbeat Dads and Child Support: Why Government Enforcement is Horrible

December 11, 2019 – Lee Friday …… Deadbeat dads can often avoid support payments because single mothers are at the mercy of disinterested politicians and bureaucrats. Continue reading →

Politics Drops Its Pretenses

October 22, 2019 – Jeff Deist …… We need an anti-politics movement just as surely as we need an antiwar movement. Continue reading →

What if the Majority Voted for “None of the Above”?

October 18, 2019 – Lee Friday …… Allowing a space on the ballot for “none of the above” would be a step in the right direction toward a slightly less farcical political system. Continue reading →

Advice for Presidential Candidates from Bastiat

October 6, 2019 – Lawrence W. Reed …… Imagine the difference it could make if even one of the candidates allowed the wisdom of only one or two of these snippets to truly sink in. Continue reading →

The Brexit Battle Shows Democracy Is Only Allowed When the Regime Likes the Outcome

September 26, 2019 – Ryan McMaken …… Democracy is only allowed when the voters vote “correctly” according to the ruling classes. “Wrong” decisions will trigger court rulings voiding the vote. Or we’ll just keep voting until people get it “right.” Continue reading →

Kamala Harris and the Cult of the Presidency

September 25, 2019 – Tyler Curtis …… Kamala Harris has promised to rule by decree if elected president. For her, Congress is little more than an advisory committee. The average voter, of course, ranks even lower than that. Continue reading →