by Radhakrishnan

Created on: May 05, 2008

Do we really believe in Democracy? One cannot help doubting it, looking at what is happening around the world. The power of self-interest at personal, national and international levels far outweighs any idealism that we may profess in the matter. The fact that any resource in this world is limited means that allowing everyone equal opportunity and a fair go does require an ability to control our own desires at least to the extent of giving up things which are inessential and transitory. The indisputable fact that our needs keep pace with and often outstrip our prosperity tends to make democracy an ideal that can never be achieved in the true sense of the word.

Take the case of Zimbabwe for example. It is plain to see that Mugabe has reduced that once prosperous country to utter ruin while living the high life himself. He clings to power with the help of the military which he has been careful to nurture and coddle at the expense of the country's economy. The manifestly criminal regime of Zimbabwe should make the blood of anyone who believes in democracy boil. Yet we find Zimbabwe's neighbors treating Mugabe with kid gloves afraid to even to raise the matter with him let alone criticize him. The Americans are not really concerned as unlike Iraq, Zimbabwe has no oil or anything else they would like to get control of. The British and the rest of the nations are angered by what is happening there, but not nearly enough to overlook the convenient excuse that it is a matter for the African nations to work out. Clearly democratic idealism in governments is confined to their own countries and national interests.

Tibet is another example. Despite the concern of governments not to offend China, international outrage flared at the cultural genocide carried out by the Chinese who seem totally unconcerned by any consideration of human rights; even those of its own citizens. But will the world-wide demonstrations be enough to prod governments into concrete action? That is unlikely and the Chinese know it. Their voracious appetite for economic progress and political power overrides any concern for human rights. They supply arms to Zimbabwe which the whole world knows will be used against its own oppressed citizens. Their coal-fired power stations have made them the top polluter of the earth's atmosphere. But more are being opened at a crazy rate, Despite these actions which are nothing short of crimes against humanity China retains the respect of 'democratic' governments all

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