Imagine a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier: a symbol of strength and endurance, designed to harness immense energy for long voyages. This is how democracy has often been likened, especially American-style democracy. While it stands grand on the surface, the stability of its core operations is increasingly under threat.
Dating back to 1776, foundational documents like the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Declaration of Independence emphasized that government should serve the common good, ensuring the safety and happiness of its people. These principles earned the American system global respect, largely due to its ability to self-correct over time. From abolishing slavery and granting women's suffrage to fighting fascism and helping establish the United Nations, the U.S. demonstrated a capacity to address and rectify its shortcomings.
However, the integrity of this democratic system now faces significant challenges. Originally designed to balance capitalist interests, American democracy relies on high social costs and political sincerity to function effectively. When these safeguards fail, the system risks becoming a hollow facade, much like ancient tortoise shells placed on an altar—respected in ceremony but neglected in practice.
Recent surveys by CGTN and Renmin University of China reveal a growing global concern: 72.5% of respondents believe that U.S. politicians prioritize the will of the people only during election periods, often neglecting it afterward. This behavior creates a political "house of cards," where the engagement and supervision of the populace are essential for successful governance. Without these, the system suffers from entrenched maladministration and a loss of public trust.
Furthermore, the U.S. has inadvertently fostered a political elite and powerful interest groups that operate above the general populace. This development presents a tragic irony to the American dream, where the system intended to empower individuals instead creates barriers to true representation and equality.
As American democracy sails deeper into the 21st century, the internal crisis threatens to undermine the very foundations that have made it a global powerhouse. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for the future of the United States but also for the integrity of democratic systems worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
