Question of the Day

Pursuit of truth is essential for the survival of any society especially a democratic one. Enlightened debates form a part of the process. Public awareness of policy decisions and its true impact is the cornerstone of any democracy. Raising valid questions regarding the veracity of the worldview that a government tries to project is an important step in that direction. Dismissing such attempts as dissent and heresy subverts freedom and the very principles on which democracy stands.

Ideally in a democracy, majority voice should be the loudest and the most powerful. However in spite of many safeguards, there is a real danger of power falling into the hands of a minority. In most societies, wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few. Only the most naïve can deny that wealth translates into power even in a democracy. Wealth always seeks to gather more wealth. When corporate and economic interests collude with political interests, more often than not national interests take the backseat. How can minority rule be viable in a democracy “for the people and by the people” that explicitly champions the power of majority? The answer is disinformation, misinformation, and plain no information.

My question to you is, are you aware of such trends in your country? Does government policy always mirror public opinion? Have there been efforts by your government to divert attention from the real issues such as poverty, corruption, and environment? If so, what are the tactics employed? Do you believe everything that your government tells you? Are you aware of a media-government-corporate nexus? Is your government’s worldview at variance with the rest of the world? If yes, which would be the most outstanding example? What is the source of your information?

Thank you for participating.