As for idealising democracy...

While browsing the Maclean’s magazine website today, I came upon an interesting article concerning Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s response to the Egyptian protests currently taking place. The author, Aaron Wherry, detailed discussion during question period in the House of Commons where Leader of the Official Opposition, Michael Ignatieff called on Harper to more adamantly ‘renew our commitment to democracy’ especially in Egypt. (http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/01/31/the-commons-let-us-renew-our-commitment-to-democracy-at-least-in-egypt/#more-169417 )

That made me wonder, is Harper- or any Western leader, for that matter-  really in any position to recommend democracy to a populace seeking a better way to govern?

Over many decades, and through many wars, the West has always firmly stood on the idea that democracy is the best way to govern a state, which most people, in Canada and elsewhere, seem to believe as a matter of course. I’m not saying democracy isn’t the best way of running things, or quibbling with any of its cherished underpinnings, I’m just wondering if countries like Canada, that are facing staggering declines in voter turn out, should really be standing up and shouting about how Egypt ought to run things.

Maybe if the western world leaders keep quiet long enough for the Egyptian populace to work out its own system, then the world will end with the elusive next step, the way of governing that is one better than democracy.

Or maybe Churchill’s famous line will prove to be true indefinitely, and democracy will always be the worst system, except for all the rest.