Makana Kennedy
In the grand theater of democracy, the illusion of equity and equality before the law often conceals a darker reality: the subtle perpetuation of thuggery under the guise of governance “for the people, by the people.” While democracy promises representation through taxation, the true measure of its success lies not in the collection of taxes, but in the accountability and transparency of government actions.
At its core, democracy is founded on the noble principle of empowering citizens to participate in the decision-making process and hold their leaders accountable. However, the reality often falls short of this ideal, as political elites exploit the system to serve their own interests rather than the needs of the populace.
One of the most insidious manifestations of this deception is the manipulation of tax collection as a symbol of democratic legitimacy. Governments proudly proclaim their right to levy taxes as a means of funding public services and infrastructure, all under the banner of representation. Yet, the mere act of collecting taxes does not guarantee genuine representation or equitable distribution of resources.
Instead, it is the responsibility of government officials to ensure that taxpayer funds are allocated transparently and used efficiently to address the needs of the people. Unfortunately, all too often, these funds are siphoned off through corruption, cronyism, and mismanagement, leaving citizens disillusioned and disenfranchised.
Furthermore, the rhetoric of democracy often obscures the reality of systemic inequalities and injustices that persist within society. While the principle of equality before the law may be enshrined in democratic constitutions, the lived experiences of marginalized communities tell a different story. Discriminatory practices, institutionalized racism, and socioeconomic disparities continue to undermine the promise of equal rights and opportunities for all.
In this context, the genius of democracy lies not in its ability to uphold genuine equity and equality, but in its skillful disguise of thuggery as governance. To truly fulfill the promise of democracy, we must hold our leaders accountable, demand transparency and accountability in government, and work tirelessly to dismantle the systems of oppression and inequality that perpetuate thuggery in all its forms.
Only then can we ensure that democracy serves not the interests of the few, but the collective well-being and prosperity of all.
