Until some genius comes up with a better system...

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The main reason I'm a strong believer in parliamentary democracy  is probably because I think that humankind, throughout its trial-and-error (and lots of error) search for a ways to govern the ever-swelling, contrary and eminently fallible ranks of homo sapiens, has yet to come up with a less-imperfect system.
That said, it has certain drawbacks, one of them being tangible lasting development. When the temples, cathedrals and palaces and even the public works under construction today have crumbled as all walls will, what will the great “buildings” of Europe be in the future?












One factor is democracy itself. Democratic governments just can’t get away with the things non-democratic ones do. While the prospect of knocking down an entire neighbourhood to build an Olympic stadium was an administrative rubber stamp for Beijing, it would tie any European government to the Courts for a generation.

The next problem is time. It differs per country, but four years is a good rule-of-thumb for terms of office. With the run-up to new elections starting during “year three”, it only serves a politician’s purpose to be visibly involved in projects that show positive results within three years. To have something to point back at so he can say “re-elect me”. It takes 100 or more years to build a cathedral. But from a political perspective over time, only dynasties or (deluded dictators) can afford to look that far in advance.

But what will the echoes of our time be, millennia from know when our species is forced to escape this planet as it spirals ever closer to the sun? Considering the way cultures and languages change, they almost certainly won’t speak “English “or call their system “democracy”, what intangible “Great Works” have we created in our time that will still be markers the that future culture’s DNA? Will their government be development on ours, or a reaction to ours? Will they view us as we now, for example, view the Greeks and the Romans? Echoes of Shelley's Oxymandias.

The trial-and-error (especially the error) continues. Watch this planet for further details....

– AMB

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