"Well, one of the first things is to restore the rule of law, to place the government back under the cage of law. Another thing is to stop falling for the myth of democracy"
- James Bovard
About this Quote
James Bovard's quote explores styles of governance, the rule of law, and the nature of democracy. The very first part, "to bring back the rule of law, to place the federal government back under the cage of law," speaks to the importance of guaranteeing that government actions are bound by legal restrictions. This phrase captures an essential principle of constitutional governance: that the rule of law ought to govern a nation instead of being governed by arbitrary choices of specific government officials. By highlighting restoring the guideline of law, Bovard indicates that there has been a discrepancy or erosion in how law governs governmental actions. This reflects an issue that power structures can become authoritarian if not checked by legal structures and due process.
The second part of the quote, "to stop succumbing to the myth of democracy," provokes a provocative assessment of democratic concepts. Bovard appears to challenge the glamorized or uncritical approval of democracy as inherently simply or effective. By referring to democracy as a "myth," he recommends that the system might not constantly work as preferably as it is frequently depicted. This might suggest criticism of democratic systems when they fall short in practice, such as when unique interests disproportionately affect public policy, citizen suppression happens, or when democratic procedures become simple procedures rather than truly representative mechanisms.
In amount, Bovard's declaration advises a critical evaluation of governance structures. It advocates for a return to a stringent adherence to the guideline of law to make sure accountability and integrity in federal government while encouraging suspicion and critical examination of democratic systems. Such reflection is crucial for cultivating a political environment that is both just and really agent of the people's will, guarding against complacency in democratic suitables, and guaranteeing that the principles of democracy do not simply function as façades for much deeper systemic issues.
"The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the majority, or rather of that party, not always the majority, that succeeds, by force or fraud, in carrying elections"