Democracy has lasted over 250 years because we have overcome challenge upon challenge in the greatest generation to generation contract in history. The system of government thrives because the system strives toward maximizing human freedom and capacity through an inclusive form of government. A society managed and run by the the people for the people. Justice in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is what keeps that torch bright and attractive. Reaching for justice is not an act of societal lunacy but one that creates the playing field where such freedoms can be realized.
Focusing on the root purpose of justice helps to foster trust between diverse communities that rely on these systems for a sense of safety, security and foundational prosperity. Because justice is so deeply rooted into our shared cultural conscious we intuitively know what for the most part is considered fair and what is for the most part considered generally unfair. We might not measure it with the pin point accuracy of a scale, but we can weigh and balance what equal protections and fair treatment looks like.(It is possible to measure it but that would require in depth review of records.)
When bias makes its way into the functional decision making process of the system it can begin to skew choices and outcomes. Some of these standards could be antithetical to the laws of the land if they rest on inherent differences in protective status and false anchoring that sometimes miscues justice toward the benefit of certain groups. (In high functioning systems, racial and religious variations are the lowest metrics while inner character, ability and truth are higher metrics. Creating a difference between simply stating surface oaths and values to actually living those oaths and values on a genuine level. Enlightened systems create shared commitment while lower systems are marked by constant conflict. Every nation has a history of development and historically when a system fails to adapt upward it begins to crumble as pressures mount. Only through thinking beyond one's own needs and immediacy of the time can nations adapt to higher ideals. Any society, any place.).
As a nation we have seen some wobbling of our democracy over the past five years as the game of politics became increasingly more important when compared to the seriousness nature of good governance (No parties, all parties. Neutral statement). People know we must fix some things but because they are part of the rational middle, and they are not active on these issues, the large middle is relatively voiceless and no longer seen as an anchor for decision making.
(Making a distinction between the general needs of the people and curbing those needs to the politically active. Some use the term constituents but generally when they use such terms they mean those who are part of their party and voted for them versus all of society and all of the parities. Thus, truly fulfilling one's role means thinking about all of society and the betterment of that society as a whole. The American people are/should be the constituents, primary over party affiliations.).
In part, these confusion of values around ideological considerations have highlighted the dangers of extremism and the risks they create for our institutions. That becomes especially true for local systems that are influenced more by ideological or social issues than the bigger purposes of democracy or its written social contracts and artifacts. We are at this place at this time in history where the ability to ensure our local systems function is in the best interest of the local and the national society. The striving nature of societal growth cannot come from reaching lower but instead reaching for the heavens where the flowers of democracy brighten lives. Pro freedom systems attract emulators and followers.
Consider a few sociological example cases below (Sociology is the study of people, institutions, change, beliefs, etc. and is related to the other cousin sciences such as economics and psychology. Sociology is important and science is important so we should support emerging science and the problems it can solve so as to reach the highest national aspirations through excelled levels of performance as a pragmatic people. You can learn more about the field of Sociology. Below are part of a thought experiment related to the illustration of accepted extremism and hate and how that can impact society.)
Spending a little more time on the worst case scenario because it constitutes the greatest hypothetical risk for any nation. These are just ways of understanding and in and of themselves are not necessarily fact but somewhat supported. They are theoretical in nature so there is a lot of variance in how one might categorize and break down different levels of system functioning in alignment to certain benchmarks (i.e. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Economics, Community engagement, etc. so on and so forth.). These are more or less just a string of interrelated concepts and not meant to be in multiple paragraphs.
1. Worst Case/ Local Democratic Decay: Systems are unable to correct internally and spend significant resources protecting poor/criminal behaviors versus working on fixing them. Because of implicit learning and social pressure there is more fear of social group rejection then fear of violating national laws. These are considered "going third world" type systems that encourage racial and religious disparities/scapegoating as as well as horrendous displays of intentional cruelty. Local justice systems protect corruption through impunity and immunity arguments. There are obvious differences between the law as intended and the "law" as practiced. Perpetrators know intuitively through their social networks they can spread rumors, use violence, damage elderly, target intellectuals, block opportunities put children in harm's way and the chances that local systems will hold them to account is low (Racial, religious, ethnocentric and perceptions of human rights and perceptions of "worthiness" based on protected classes. Few checks and balances. Investigations are used as punishment tools, are jaded and witness, documentation, and other proofs are discarded in favor of in-group testimony. Statistical disparate treatment between different groups.) Extremist leaning perceptions and armed militia encouragement are openly discussed publicly and the disdain for any level of diversity is apparent. Free passes for certain behaviors are common depending on one's clan, ideological-political beliefs, racial appearance, religious practice and even personal-social affiliations. Some officials have a dismissive eye toward liberties and human rights even though this is what defines the soul and purpose of the nation (i.e. false displays of symbolic nationalism but a rejection of deeper patriotism and core purpose of the nation and those beliefs that make one an American/"American".). Concerns, criticism and even beneficial recommendations for improvement are often responded to with intimidation, harassment, rumor/hate based narratives, group bullying, rejection from opportunities, intentional thwarting of public life, cleansings and/or violence (Highly dependent on who is providing the recommendations for improvement.). The world inside and outside these systems are different and because they are their is a socializing to warped perspectives of justice. Underdeveloped and immaturity of human behaviors are normalized and emulated as a pathway to group acceptance. Toxic personalities and destructive behaviors of in-group members are encouraged and rewarded legally and socially (Close association and interrelations between extremist groups, embedded police gangs, and some officials). The victims consistently are held holding the harm from unrelenting perpetrators. A simple manipulation can cause issues like the Tulsa Massacres to occur from in-group members because the rhetoric, ideology, and self-interest. The hate intensity increases with minorities and degrees of difference between in and out group members. Because the central values and laws the nation are quickly discarded for ethnocentric perspectives of human life it is often discounted and laws are misused as political and ideological purposes. There is also generally a decline in population and declining economic health. The biggest sign of decay is despite local systems failing to protect their population and engaging in undemocratic behavior, there is a general inability and lack of capacity to correct these local systems and thus showing the democratic rot and decay may be more permanent. The wider state and federal system struggles to recognize and correct these systems so their persist no matter how many victims they create or how many laws they violate. Socially there is almost fear of standing for the Bill of Rights and national values because of the influence of their social networks. People know that these systems don't function properly and there are no avenues to fix them (Intentionally blocking accountability and positive change.) As the behaviors persist they create precursors to the red line where system structures quickly dissipate and serious human atrocities occur. People are aware that they have few to no rights and their is moral conscious failures in the wider system. The social and financial rewards for engaging in hate crimes and corruption are apparent. Historical and outside condemnation is likely when more objective perspectives return; a type of group gaslighting like cults or fascist movements. In essence, these are untrusted systems that cannot be left to their own devices with the most sacred values of society because they seem to skew their results in the favor of certain people. There are no crime if it is against "undesirables" and there are no laws of protection. There is on a practical level no right to criticize and also no reason to reform. A limited type of fish in fishbowl thinking. From Citizens to Outcasts, 1933–1938 For additional understanding read The Bystander Effect, Three Levels of fighting Corruption. UN Specific Corruption, US Corruption Approach
(The Hypothetical Example Thought Experiment)
(I have been using an example that mixes the worst case and mid case stages. Within such an example, there is general confusion and lots of misinformation. To do nothing and to do something each has consequences, yet to do nothing mean the system risks declining into the worst case scenario. To do so in this microcosm thought experiment and some of the found failures would naturally lead to some level of reform/adjustment. In some ways our national soul based on how localities treat their fellow citizens. What is most interesting about this situation is that the community began to stand up where officials should have already done so even though many had knowledge that inappropriate/illegal behaviors were occurring. Its the danger of providing immunity to people prior, during and after engaging in unlawful behaviors. There are is a propensity within the local side in the favor of people they see as "locals" without broadening that fully to include minorities. Institutional trust is low when repeated offense occur without recourse or correction. There are unaddressed community complaints of targeting's, political based stalking, reports of attempted assaults by hate group members, Good Old Boy networks, extremist supporting rogue officers threatening violence/intimidation for ideological reasons, financial corruption, intentionally poor decision making, conflicts of interest, misuse of social connections in the local justice systems to intimidate victims into silence, and a general negligence in oaths, roles, and duties related to a free nation. All of the markers are there but its by extent. This example could dip into worst case scenario or it could improve and that is dependent on moral and legal adaptations mixing with deeper respect for the values and history of the nation. We learn the that community itself has a vested interest in good governance and democratic pro-American principles and dismantling corruption became a popular community affair. A testimony to the power of the people and the nation's ultimate stakeholders. We also find as an additional benefit of the growth in democratic engagement that there was also an increase in investments and community development in a way that creates a connection between good governance and economic growth. It is also a warning against complacency with our cherished values and the need for our politicians and officials to focus on what is important and not politics as usual. )
2. Mid Case/Post Segregation-Ethnocentricism Transition: Systems function for the most part but still experiences major problems that are resolved with understanding and proactive strategic change. Sometimes changes are successful and sometimes they are not but there are clear attempts to improve. Because the overall intent is to encourage justice, even imperfectly, there is also general broad societal support as well as a healthy dose of skepticism (healthy skepticism and criticism needed to keep the system focused on positive change.). While racial and religious disparities persist there are serious attempts to correct post segregationist cultural left overs (Post segregationist as the cultural underpinnings after the official ending of segregation but not yet the full acceptance of universal democracy.). Moderate levels of human development and behavior expectations are common. Criticism and concerns can be accepted as methods of improvement once problems have risen to a certain awareness/impact level. Mostly reactive management practices and slow to adjust but does allow room for change when practical and politically acceptable (Hyper politics limits science and good judgement that would improve the functioning of the whole.). These are systems in which people encourage adjustments to improve areas of deficiency, while supporting the general functioning and purpose of the system's intent. These systems can adjust with some difficult based on coded ethical standards and legal jurisprudence. There will be a mix of people arguing for prodemocratic change and those arguing against it.
3. Best Case/Democratic System-Values Integration: The system seeks to create the highest levels of justice it can in a universal manner without racial or religious disparities. The system continuously learns from science and moral/ethical development to fulfill the highest goals of the institution. High levels of trust and support in society based on a track record of wisdom, truth, and moral conscious. With solid knowledge they seek to resolve problems at their source and build the most effective system it can to fulfill their mission and goals for the betterment of a people and nation. People trust the intent even when mistakes happen (A difference between a mistake and an intentional mistake.). Police, judges, non-profits, organizations, and the community work toward the same goals. Higher levels of human behavior and development can be found based on the fundamental influence on rudimentary assumptions about a single community, value of life, safety, security, and justice (psychological and sociological underpinnings to human growth. i.e. broad based human capital development through cultural prompting. Post humanism to social constructionism.). Because the system is functioning as it should and helps society in many secondary ways, ranging from broad based capitalistic self development all the way over to safety & security, smaller tweaks are necessarily and fairly easy to handle because of shared commitment to the Constitution and its intended purpose. Willful acceptance of thought out practical change furthers the purpose and mission of institutions in society and moves beyond rigid adherence to coded ethical standards and legal jurisprudence and into essential justice.
On the lowest levels many people have already given up on justice, in the mid levels you receive mixed feelings but generally positive, and on the higher end stronger societal commitment to ideals. Because any system (typically lower local systems with poor values) violate norms that would be unacceptable in any culture, religion, or background it is important to force them to adjust and correct themselves least such poor systems spread sowing general distrust among people. Once the checks and balances are completely removed we will often see these poor system gravitate quickly toward an unknown default of democracy through a hate narrative, that seeks to justify the unjustifiable by scapegoating. Problems are never really resolved this way, they just transfer from target to new target. It is the anchoring and functionality of the wider system and its check and balances that create hard stops when such systems move too far out of alignment (i.e. government accountability, civil rights groups, higher court systems, multitude of lawsuits, whistle blowers, etc.).
*These are not facts. It is just a thought experiment to explore the edges of concepts to ensure our core principles stay at the center of national development. This blog is about national development. These are not the opinion of the blog or the author(s). They are just one way to view such issues and they can be easily discarded for many other ways of looking at sociological systems. However seeing the broad scope hypothetical possibilities is important for context. Let us protect freedom of speech and religion.
