Governing Bodies
Government as a Viable Community
What qualities contribute to an effective and long-lasting community? Do we in this country have well developed governmental institutions? Many persons in the US pride themselves on their so-called "democratic" government. Are we kidding ourselves?
We look around the world and we can find many examples of power-crazed persons who have positions in government because mysterious forces have disposed of their rivals. Those in power claim to be innocent of these liquidations. Who inspired the killers of Benazir Bhutto? Who tinkered with the plane of Paul Wellstone?
We look at our church affiliations. We can see with the Roman Catholic Church that we are led by a benevolent monarch in majestic robes. His followers respect his leadership. What about the government of that church? "The [sexual abuse] crisis has magnified the realization that the laity are absolutely powerless in the government of their Church. There is a total lack of institutional checks and balances that would allow them some say about how authority is exercised." (Robert Rowden, "The Real Agenda" in Boston College- C21 Resources, Fall 2004) However, as long as that leader tries to serve his constituency, he will be able to maintain a semblance of control.
How about the U.S. government? The checks and balances put in place by the "founding parents" have been disregarded. Are the president and the vice-president serving "their people"? When thousands of young men are killed, mutilated, or traumatized; when thousands of Iraqi people are killed or forced to flee their country; when corporate access to resources and profits are given preference over human life; We, the People, though relatively powerless, must speak up.
How long can a government exist without the support of true community? If a government does not gain the support of the poor and oppressed in its jurisdiction, it may degenerate into a police state.
