I have been reading Plato’s Republic, where Socrates speaks of the perfect city and the concept of justice. Justice depends on who is in charge. Is it ruled by oligarchy (rule by the rich, the few, the worst)? Timocracy (property owners)? Aristocracy (rule by nobility)? Or a democracy; a government “of the People, by the People, for the People?” If you’re in a democracy, such as the United States of America, justice is in the best interest of the people--the majority---because of its consequences. The consequences of justice in America “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Unfortunately the relationship between politics and justice has not changed since 380 BCE (before the Common era). Plato defines politics as a “dirty business mainly to manipulate the unthinking masses, and fails to nurture wisdom.” If we look at the lead-up to the events at the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, we see how true this can be.
Visionaries vs. tyrants
The person who is best able to pilot your ship to its destination is often ignored. That person is looking up and out and beyond the day to day to the stars. Meanwhile, people are fighting for the rudder, and just want to gain control. They have no goal, no vision. Yet, that’s who most often strives for the role. They have no vision; they just want power and money.
In today’s world, these power-hungry people have no tether to the truth and will do anything to get and stay in power. For example, in the premeditated attack on the Capitol of the U.S. in January, the Insurrectionists tried to install a tyrant and steal our free and fair election from the people of the United States.
I want to see justice happen with these Insurrectionists. I would like to see these people---and their figurehead who incited the insurrection so he could stay in office---convicted and sent to prison for life without the possibility of parole. That is what is in the best interest of the people of the United States. Otherwise, it will happen again...soon.
Oligarchs controlling the message
The Oligarchs have controlled the message (and may have instigated the attack through Parler and other platforms), dripping their message on us for sixty years. This message has come down from this small group of rich people and has become effective to get to the lower classes to vote against their own self-interest. They are voting to go back to serfdom.
I do not understand how people let go of their critical thinking. It is counter-intuitive to choose to go back to King George ruling us and taxing us. We almost lost our democracy to this totalitarianism in the last election. Forty-eight percent of the voting population do not listen to truisms. Thank goodness for the 7 or 8 million more people who voted for democracy.
Justice for all
I am a proud American, and I love my country. I love the land of opportunity. I do not want to lose the land of opportunity to totalitarianism. While I am on a good path of building my business and wealth, I want everyone to have the chance to do the same. Justice for the majority --- those who are in charge --- must be done.