International Day of Democracy 2017 - Part II

              This post is a summary of four articles. The first was punlished at  http://www.ipu.org/idd/2016-democracy-2030.htm. The second was published at  http://www.idea.int/news-media/news/political-inclusion-vital-sustainable-democracy. The third was published at https://www.thindifference.com/2013/07/democracy-5-ways-you-can-make-it-more-meaningful/. The fourth was published at http://listcrux.co/10-reasons-for-the-success-of-democracy/

              "Democracy 2030" is an invitation to all parliaments to interrogate the present, to learn from the past and to prepare the future of democracy. Key questions include: 1) How will the institutions of democracy - parliament, political parties, elections - change between now and 2030?  2) Will the existing political processes be sufficient to enable young people to express their aspirations, or do new processes need to be invented?  3) What new forms of collaborative, participative decision-making will emerge in the digital era?  4) How will parliaments connect the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with the concerns and hopes of their citizens? In some ways, 2030 is very near, only around three electoral cycles' away in most countries. Arguably, politics in 2030 might still look very familiar to today, with familiar processes of elections, political parties and parliaments. in other ways, it is a distant horizon. Many unforeseen events have take place since 2000. No-one can predict what political events will happen in coming years, what technological innovations will take place, nor how these new tools will be used by citizens. Since 2000, information has become more widely accessible than ever before, reinforcing the demand for transparency and accountability. A generation of  "digital natives" have grown up using social networks to connect and mobilize with their peers locally, nationally and across borders. New political movements have emerged to challenge the way politics is done and have acceded to positions of power in some countries. The percentage of women in parliament has increased. These factors and many more  combine to make this a time of challenge and opportunity for democracy. Political parties, parliaments and other institutions are called upon to adapt to changes in society, to renew political processes, to create space in politics for younger generations and make use of their energy. The aspirations for a fairer world that are set out in the 2030 Agenda will only be met if there is more democracy, not less. Political leaders everywhere need to make the connection between the internationally-agreed development goals and the demands from their citizens, including for greater transparency and accountability as well as more participative and inclusive decision-making processes.

             Political inclusion is vital to sustainable democracy. No voice should be left unheard. No one should be left behind. No one should be subject to any form of exclusionary rhetoric. For democracy to be sustainable, International IDEA believes that democracy should allow each and every citizen to participate in political processes. Democracy is dependent on the participation and representtion of all citizens in democratic institutions and processes. These institutions and processes include election management bodies and elections, constitutional bodies, political parties and parliaments. Underpinning all this is political inclusion. This is the idea that every citizen, regardless of class, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, group, culture and ethnic or religious background, should have an equal right and opportunity to engage with and contribute to the functioning of these institutions and processes. Working to achieve political inclusion is fraught with challenges. Foremost amongst these is the increasing difficulty by which the needs and aspirations of citizens can connect with accountable and representative political institutions. Democratic institutions and processes are often mistrusted. Some citizens, meanwhile, are not interested in voting or joining in a political party. This is because they see no difference with who is in power. They think their voices will not matter or have an influence on how political institutions will act. Secondly, inequality of opportunity persist worldwide. Not all citizens in society are represented in policy discussions and many feel marginalized. Democracy can not truly deliver for all of its citizens if the population remains excluded from the political arena. While advocating for political inclusion for sustainable democracy is not easy, there are ways by which we as citizens can do our part. This can begin by just being aware of the challenges, This then allows you to give space for all voices to be heard and included in your day-to-day activities. Every action counts.

                Democracy carries a personal responsibility. Just as quickly as the words are read, they evaporate. Fingers are pointed at others, and they speak loudly, "the responsibility lies over there, not with me." Even louder, we may hear the echo of Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country." If everyone is offered an equal chance, then there is a duty to embrace the actions of democracy, opening up equal opportunity for others as well as delivering the best government possible to preserve our right, our purpose. There are great principles in providing equal chance. Principles of freedom are at the core. In freedom, meaning grows. Freedom offers discovery, pursuit, betterment, and much more. In freedom, responsibility joins. Freedom requires attention. It needs care and feeling, and this responsibility belongs to us, the voters and citizens. Untouched democracy and freedom will fade in the sun of inactivity and inattention. There is great personal meaning in democracy, and it is under our care to advance it, protect it, and embrace it. No one said democracy is easy. It takes effort. We need to understand the necessity of each along with the responsibility. Standing up for others and our beliefs takes as much courage as being open to listening and understanding a new perspective. Compromise is difficult yet necessary at times to get unstuck. Democracy takes all generations. For younger generations, history needs to be learned and understood in order to gain the context of why our participation is necessary. It can also include internship to gain a closer look and prepare ourselves to grab the baton forward. Youth is not an excuse to shed responsibility, just as seniority is not a reason to squander it. Planning and managing in a fiscally responsible way is vital and challenging. Tough trade-offs require a steeliness of purpose. It requires a dutiful spirit of responsibility and hard choices and work. In all that we do, we need to show an attitude of kindness. In all our interactions, we need to embrace civility and empathy. Democracy is too important to waste away in petty arguments. To engage, we must connect, understand, and work in a spirit of respect. For us who are in a democracy, great meaning is possible. It is our responsibility. Duty is a call for every citizen, After all, equal chance carries equal responsibility. We must grasp our role to further the meaning of democracy. It is the purpose to convert our responsibility into actions. It is what good citizens do. It is what good leaders do.

               One of the frequently debated issues in the present day world politics is regarding the most stable form of government, given the fact that there are a phetora of different forms of government , a mutual consensus is hard to arrive to. But a democratic form of government which states by whom, how and in what way a society will be governed is the most popular form of the government. Democracy like other forms of governments does have some drawbacks but the success of this form of government is hard to ignore. So now we take a look at top ten reasons that make democracy a robust and successful form of government. 10) Represent the people: a democratic government is said to be for the people and by people. In a democracy the voter is the supreme monarch who is free to choose who represents him and his voice at the biggest level, and the elected representatives lend a voice to the grievances of these people. 9) Better governance: Democracy is all about having checks at each stage by the parliament, the people themselves, the media and not to forget the ever ready opposition waiting for a chance to blow fire. 8) Respect and promotes human rights: If there is one thing that puts a democracy above all the other forms of government then it must surely be the unique feature of a democracy where in all its citizens are entitled for the basic rights right from their birth and these rights are respected by the government and protected under the law. 7) Freedom of speech and press: A unique feature of democracy which it boasts of is the "freedom of speech" that is provides as a birthright to all its citizens, freedom of speech is the core of any democracy. Any individual can speak what he seems is right and can even question and criticize the government in particular without any fear. Without freedom of speech democracy can not be conceived. 6) Social equality and diversity: In a democracy there is not discrimination and everyone is equal before the law irrespective of his caste, creed, gender, color, religion, or ethnicity. A democracy provides equal opportunities to all its citizens and everyone is free to follow his own choice. 5) Accountability: Agreed that a democracy if by the people and for the people and the common man elects his representative is accountable to the common man who had voted for him and who is the prime reason why he sits in the highest office. 4) Open public debate on major decisions:  doing debates puts forward lots of views, information, arguments and counter arguments which are all discussed weighed upon and a consensus is drawn. By this the risk to power abuse will touch a nadir and there will be an increase in transparency and more peoples participation. 3) Hope for a change: With a democracy is always a ray of hope for change, consider an elected representative is not working up to the expectations or is not keeping the promises he made before the election, it is not a big thing to worry about as come next elections he can be easily uprooted by voting for a better candidate. 2) A written constitution: A document having a set of rules about how a country must be run and its citizens protected. A written constitution grants and safequards the birthrights of all people and keeps the principles of democracy alive by protecting them. 1) Democratic states help build a more democratic world: A democratic world is, in its essence a better place to live nothing short of a utopian dream. So this is a classic reason why democracy is a success.

International Day of Democracy 2017

              This post is a summary of five articles. The first with the incomplete title above was published at http://www.un.org/en/events/democracyday/. The second was published at http://www.greeningtheblue.org/event/international-day-democracy. The third was published at http://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/international-day-of-democracy-2017. The fourth was published at http://www.idea.int/news-media/news/international-day-democracy-secretary-general-visits-falun-democratic-city. The fifth was published at https://swoogo.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/64477-59957b807cb69.pdf

             This year's theme of Democracy Day is democracy and conflict prevention, focuses on the critical need to strengthen democratic institutions to promote peace and stability. A more integrated approach to foster resilient societies calls for effective and inclusive democratic governance with respect for human rights and the rule of law. Resilient societies are able to mitigate disputes through mediation, dialogue and a reasonable degree of legitimacy of their institutions. Developing effective conflict prevention mechanisms and infrastructures provides a foundation to resolve grievances and sustain peace. Process, such as peace agreements, and elections, can help maintain equilibrium between competing interests and reduce fragility and the likelihood of violence. Strong leadership to support democracy, strengthen civil society, and uphold the rule of law are conditions that preserve stability and peace. Recognizing the indivisible links between peaceful societies and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.

              Democracy is a universal value based on the freely spoken and expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems in all aspects of their lives. Evolved over centuries, democracies share many common features but cannot be reduced to a single model. In short, democracy pertains the idea that everyone has the right to have their own beliefs, and to say and write what they think. Every year on the 15th September, the United Nations celebrate these ideas on the International Day of Democracy. Activities carried out by the U.N. in support of efforts of governments to promote and consolidate democracy are undertaken in accordance with the U.N. charter, and only at the specific request of the Member States concerned. While also celebrating the positive values of democracy, the International Day of Democracy will also offer an opportunity for a review of democracy in the modern world. Celebrations around the world addresses democracy by calling for inclusive and participatory societies and institutions. It aims to "promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels."

             Statement by Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland. "In today's Europe, there are forces that want to undermine democracy and turn back the clock. That's why we should celebrate this year's international Democracy Day with greater noise, effort and organisation than ever before. Democracy, human rights and the rule of law fit together to the benefit of citizens in Europe and across the world. Democratic governance creates freedom, fosters opportunity and counters corruption in government and in society. It also  supports fair political competition with outcomes and institutions that foster public trust. So when these values are under attack, we should double-down, not doubt ourselves. The Council of Europe will continue its mission to promote common standards for democracy, to monitor their respect by all our Member States and to support, multiply and enhance different forms of participation of citizens in public life at all levels. On September 15 - and every day - let democrats hold their heads high and speak for their ideals."

              On 15 September 2017, International IDEA's Secretary-General, Mr. Yves Leterme, visited the Swedish city of Falun on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, where he participated in a panel discussion on the topic of strengthening democracy. Falun, a city of around 60,000 people situated 250 kilometres north of the Swedish capital of Stockholm, has in recent years been at the forefront of developing innovative approaches to active citizenship and participatory democracy. Rebranding itself as Falun Democratic City, the city in 2010 established a Democracy Commission, devoted to providing the city's residents with better information and supporting them in their involvement in the political process. Within that framework, the city organized, from 9-15 September 2017, 'Falun Democracy Week", a full thematic week about democratic rights and responsibilities as active citizens. Attending the final day of this year's Democracy Week, secretary-General Yves Leterme participated in a session entitled "Global participation - how can we make the world more democratic?" During his intervention, the Secretary-General Leterme focused on "The state of people power worldwide and democratic resilience". Setting out the opportunities and challenges to democracy identified by international IDEA, he stressed that despite the many obstacles ahead, and notwithstanding increasing pessimism about the state of democracy worldwide, democracy globally has proven to be resilient. Over the past decades, democracy has made significant progress, and this needs to be recognized. However, the Secretary-General also pointed out that the challenges democracy faces are real and pressing, and have to be answered. Among those, he singled out in particular the importance of participation for democracy. Traditional democratic institutions such as political parties, which have long guaranteed this participation, he noted, face a crisis, as citizens are increasingly disengaging from politics out of distrust and discontent, an evolution that threatens the very essence of democracy, as it undermines citizens' participation in the political process. In order to guarantee the continued political engagement  of the electorate and to enable citizens to engage in public affairs in between elections, the Secretary-General encouraged the exploration of new forms of citizen participation. Experiments at the local level, such as in Falun, the secretary-General noted, can guide the way in this regard. "Democracy," Leterme stressed, "can not be taken for granted, and further measures to safeguard democracy through innovative, flexible and adaptive approaches are urgently required of policymakers and citizens."

               The International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to recommit to a world defined by the values enshrined in the United Nations Charter: peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance and solidarity. Yet, in many societies around the world, there is a crisis of faith. globalization and technological progress have lifted many out of poverty, but have also contributed to inequality and instability. There is a growing and deepening divide among people, as well as between people and the political establishments that exist to represent them. Fear is driving too many decisions. This is a danger to democracy. It is time to reconstruct relations between people and leaders, national and international. It is time for leaders to listen and show that they care about their own people and about the global stability and solidarity on which we all depend. And it is time for the entire international community to address one of its most severe shortcomings: our inability to prevent crisis. To work credibly for prevention, we need to better support countries in their efforts to strengthen their democratic institutions and make their societies more resilient. In some countries, a dangerous illusion has taken hold that democracy is in contradiction to stability or conflict prevention. Quite the contrary: by destroying democratic institutions, by suppressing civil society, by undermining the rule of law and human rights, authoritarian rule creates conditions for extremist ideologies. It prevents societies from developing peaceful channels and effective instruments for the resolution of grievances and other challenges. By the same token, toppling a dictator, or holding elections in a post-conflict situation, does not mean that democracy will flourish by itself. It requires leadership, in ensuring that emerging and developing democracies are supported, so that they can succeed.

220th Birthday of Mary Shelley

              Last 30th of August, the British writer Mary Shelley would complete 220 years old, so this post is a tribute to her. She is considered the mother of science fiction. This post is a summary of five articles. The first was published at   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Shelley. The second was published with the incomplete title above at https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/blogs/post/220th-birthday-anniversary-of-mary-shelley-author-of-frankenstein/. The third was published at                                               https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/f/frankenstein/critical-essays/major-themes. The fourth was published at https://storify.com/jpratt97/mary-shelley-s-frankenstein. The fifth was published at https://whitmansyawp.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/you-could-learn-a-lot-from-a-shelley-ethics-of-frankenstein/

                     Mary Shelley (1797-1851) was an English novelist, short stories writer, essayist, biographer, and travel writer, best known for her Gothic novel Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus. Like much Gothic fiction of the period, mixes a visceral and alienating subject matter with speculative and thought-provoking themes. Shelley imbues the text with her own brand of politicised Romanticism, one that criticised the individualism and egotism of traditional Romanticism. Critics, Bennett for example, claims that Shelley works reveal a consistent commitment to Romantic idealism and political reform and Jane Blumberg's study of Shelley early novels argues that her career can not be easily divided into radical and conservatives halves. She contends that "Shelley was never a passionate radical and her lifestyle was not abruptly assumed nor was it a betrayal. She was in fact challenging the political and literary influences of her circle.

                   Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin was the daughter of two intellectuals. Her father, William was a writer and philosopher. Her mother, Mary also a writer and philosopher , was a proponent of women's rights who, in 1792, wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women: with Strictures on Political and Moral Subjects. Unfortunately, her mother died soon after giving birth, but her ideas would be inherited by her daughter. From her father, Mary learned of the latest scientific endeavours. In 1814, Mary met the Poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley. at her father's house. Although he was already married, the two formed a relationship and in July of that year they eloped to Europe. Accompanied by Mary's stepsister, Claire, they toamed through France before arriving in Switzerland. In January 1816, she gave birth to a son. By 1816 Percy Shelley's health was deteriorating and in May they left England returning to Switzerland, where they joined another Poet, Lord George Byron and his physician companion, John William Polidori on the shores of Lake Geneva. On June 15, as a storm continued to rage outside Villa Diodati, the group decided to hold a ghost story competition. A few days later, Mary wouls soon find inspiration for her own story in the nightmare of a scientist reanimating a lifeless corpse. Although Frankenstein contained elements traditionally found in Gothic novels (ruined castles, dark forests, storms) it departed from standard Gothic novel of the time in that, rather than dealing with the supernatural, its horrific features had their origins in science. The success of Frankenstein allowed Mary Shelley to embark on a career as a novelist at a time when writing was still considered a masculine domain. She would proceed to write further titles, including the post-apocalypits novel, The Last Man (1826) before her death in 1851.

             Mary Shelley makes full use of themes that were popular during the time she wrote Frankenstein. She is concerned with the use of knowledge for good or evil purposes, the invasion of technology into modern life, the treatment of the poor, and the restorative power of nature in the face of unnatural events. She addressed each concern in the novel, but some concerns are not fully addressed or answered. Victor Frankenstein learns all he can about the field of science. Prior to his enrollment at the university, Victor focuses on the ancient art of alchemy, which had been discredited by the time of Shelley's writing. Alchemy was an early form of chemistry, with philosophic and magical associations, studied in the Middle Ages. It is Victor's combination of old and new science that leads him down a path to self-destruction. This is one of Shelley's themes:"How can we harness the knowledge that we have so that it is for the benefit of all mankind? Since the Industrial Revolution had pervaded all part of Europe and British society by the time of her writing, Shelley questions how far the current wave of advances should push the individual in terms of personal and spiritual growth. She conveys the impression that the technological advances made to date rob the soul of growth when man becomes too dependant on technology. Personal freedom is lost when man is made a slave to machines and technology. Shelley presents nature as very powerful. It has the power to put the humanity back into man when the unnatural world has stripped him of his moral fiber.

              Mary Shelley was very sick for the last ten years of her life and died at the age of 53 of a brain tumor. Her most famous novel Frankenstein was about a doctor who creates a creature in a scientif experiment. Mary Shelley started to write Frankenstein at the age 18 and it was published when she was 20 by an unknown publisher in London. Ethics in science is the topic, because there has many controversies over some of the advancements that have been made in the medical field. For example, human cloning, with modern technology we have the ability to create an exact clone of someone physically. And that is where ethics in science comes into play, scientists are not allowed to clone humans because it is unethical, immoral and inhumane, scientists have not right to play God. This article explains why ethics in research is needed and important. It state that some of the ethics include honesty, integrity, openess which are all examples of essential ethics in any situation. 

             Questionable ethics run rampant throughout Frankenstein, and it is not only seen in the characters Victor and the Frankenstein as is so often presupposed. By using multiple characters Shelley utilizes each unique perspective to reveal a didactic book of ethics and behaviour for readers to emulate and to avoid. The primary example of unethical cowardice is clearly seen in Victor. His constant refusal to take responsibility for the lives of those around him after what he construct. Victor is in a never ending flux of negative emotions. This cruel abandonment serves as a duality of lessons. First, it instructs us to assume responsibility for our actions and to follow through with commitments. Shelley diverts focus away from the common arguments of morality and the issue of "not playing God" and choses to divert the focus on the ethical problems of the individual. Not only does Victor shirk from his own responsibilities, he allows others to assume the responsibilities for his dangerous choices. This lack of ethics results in deaths. One of the most blatant examples of the wrongs of embodying passive ethics is seen during the accusation, trial, and then execution of Justine Moritz. It is Victor's refusal to own up to his unethical behavior that allows the innocent Justine to be killed for a crime, a crime which Victor is more rightly accountable for. Shelly shows the reader that this form of wallowing escapism does not render a person any less accountable for their actions. This teaches us that our ethical or unethical actions affect not only ourselves but others as well. There is a heavy price attached to actions and it is crucial to be aware of this interconnectedness. Shelley puts more emphasis on ethics of the individual rather than society because group ethics are so flawed. Elizabeth laments, "when I reflect... on the miserable death of Justine Moritz, I no longer see the world its works as they before appeared to me. Before, I looked upon the accounts of injustice, that I read in books or heard from others, or imaginary evils; at least they were remote, but now men appear to me as monsters thirsting for each other's blood". A person can not and must not rely on society to dictate an ethical way of life. it is up to each of us, the individual to construct his or her own ethical compass.