Democracy

Just read Indi’s post here. I must say its one of the most interesting posts I’ve read in sometime. A tone which transcended the usual attempt to baptize others by force into your own ideologies and in all accounts inspiring at a time when I’ve been reading up on some Latin American countries.

When I look at countries like Venezuela & El Salvador I’m inspired by the sheer magnitude of the ‘’people power’’ prevailing in these countries. Western media often tries to tarnish the ‘’Democracies’’ established in these countries, established at the cost of multinationals who controlled the resources of these countries prior to the establishment of the Chavez government for example. Such is the rich/poor divide in Venezuela that nationalizing the oil companies was the only way to bring about a more equitable society as it amounts to 90% of its export revenue and rid its lands from social injustice served to the weak and poor.

Like Indi mentioned, a democracy is only a democracy if the citizens in it chooses to act on their beliefs which goes beyond merely giving lip service. Apathy has no place in such a system.

In 2002 I believe, Chavez was overthrown in a coup. Within 2 days he was back in office. Simply because people chose to do just what they are suppose to do in a democracy. They took to the streets, laughed, waved flags, cheered each other on and in a epic moment of defiance surrounded the presidential palace in their hundreds of thousands to overthrow the people who orchestrated throwing of the ‘’Democratically’’ elected Chavez out. It was in a certain way sad; I wanted to see the same kind of passion in Sri Lanka. A time when the power certainly does rest with the people, when our leaders will not take for granted the power given to them by the people because the people choose not to be ignorant and cynical about the country and are proactive that power brokers would dare not abuse that hallowed obligation to represent the people.

I love this country. I pray that the masses would awaken. But I also understand that I can do far more to quench my own thirst in seeing this country prosper, I now understand that I am obligated to be a stakeholder in something much greater than satisfying my own mediocre dreams which would give me greater satisfaction and pride.