CAN WE TAKE AN HONEST LOOK AT DEMOCRACY?

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 47, 17 June 1965, Page 8

CAN WE TAKE AN HONEST LOOK AT DEMOCRACY?

Oue of the more controversial issues local bodies have to consider these days is whether or not public water supplies under their control should be fluoridated in the interests of better dental care. The Rev. I. H. Robertson tackles this issue in this week's Voice of the Churches. Recently the Aucklanc Regional Authority decidec to proceed with the fluorida tion of Auckland's watei supply without a referen dum being held, as did the Taupo Borough Councf some time ago. There was a strong protest on the grounds that people's rights have been hereby denied the protest usually comin£ from those who are opposec to fluoridation.

I wonder what value referendums have as opportunities to express their opinion when experience in some other polls conducted by local bodies on different issues meet with poor response. Recent polls, one in Taupoon a trust hot'el proposal and another in several South Auckland boroughs on an amalgamation proposal ar-e ^ cases in point. 1 The total poll in each case - made the majority vote a - very slender one when re- - lated to the number eligible i to vote, perhaps even a min1 ority. That would make the 5 elaim that no referendum ; means a denial of rights 5 seem to be unrealistic in , the face of facts. It also r means that we need occasI ionally to take an honest look at our democratic system of government. I am not suggesting that another system of government is more desirable or that democracy has failed, but we do need to recognise that no system of government is free from the dangers of abuse. What is this democratic system of which we are so proud? The dictionary gives its meaning of the word as "government by the people, direct or representative." It will be noticed that it is government BY the people, although it may be commonly regarded as government FOR the people by representation.

Whereas it is intended to give every individual freedom to participate in the life and especially in the government of the community and nation, it can easily become, in fact, freedom for the individual to be left alone. So long as our elect-ed representatives in Parliament and local bodies do not interfere too much with our private way of life we

It could be that our claim to exercise our right to have a say in government amounts to nothing more than blocking tactics which we employ simply because we do not want our comfortable ways to be disturbed, and which impede the progress and development of the commnnity as a whole. You will be wondering perhaps where the Christian Church comes into all this. I believe it is right here that the Church has something relevant to say. We need to be aware of the dangers inherent In any system of government that are caused by human

weakness, selfishness, and sometimes simply stubborn resistance to change. The Christian doctrine of man's fallibility causes Christian people to examine critically their actions and motivations, and to recognise their limitations caused by selfishness, stubbornness, pride, jealousy and resentment. It is also within the Christian Gospel that is found the ability to look at themselves without fear of rejection because they know that they are accepted in spite of all their faults. St. Paul knew this to be true when he said, Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, and that is god's own proof of his love towards us." (Romans 5:8 N.E.B.). This has been true, however imperfectly it may have been demonstrated by the Church itself, ever since.