democracy

Imagine we live in a country where millions of people live together, differing in many ways. They speak different languages, believe in different gods or in none at all, and live alone, as couples, in families or in shared accommodation. They argue about what is fair, how much tax is right,  . . .  how they want to love and die. Because these differences cannot be reduced to a common denominator, they have to reach agreement time and again: in families and workplaces, in market squares, in parliaments and courtrooms. Most of the time, the result is something that nobody quite wanted, but which as many people as possible can live with.

Imagine we live in a country where this diversity is not regarded as an unfortunate incident. Where people cannot simply impose their ideas of what is right – not even if they are in the majority. Where every person has dignity and rights that are particularly valuable precisely when others do not like the way someone lives, thinks or speaks. People are free to criticise their government, to join forces with others and to take legal action against the state before independent courts. Majorities can make decisions, but they cannot do as they please. And minorities remain protected, especially when the majority disapproves of them.

Imagine we live in a country where people are allowed to be different. Muslim, Christian, Jewish or atheist. Straight or queer. Cis or trans. Tradwife or feminist. With or without a family, with two passports, multiple languages and affiliations that don’t have to end at a national border. Progressive or conservative.  . . .  Nobody has to approve of all of that.  Acceptance does not mean having to adopt everyone else’s way of life, but rather granting others the same space that you claim for yourself – as long as your own freedom does not come at the expense of the same freedom and dignity of others.

Imagine we live in a country . . . (where) political opponents are not enemies – in a country that derives its own vision of harmonious coexistence not merely from what it is against. A country that does not look on with envy at the power of authoritarian slogans and believes that only hatred can stir people’s emotions. Freedom moves us. Justice moves us. Diversity brings joy. Solidarity inspires. And the experience of achieving something together, despite fundamental differences, instils pride.

Many things are going well, many badly, and some are unbearable. People face discrimination, opportunities are distributed unfairly, and institutions are failing. No liberal society has a guarantee of its continued existence; rather, it must protect and defend itself. But we live in a country where decisions must remain open to correction. And where everyone belongs – despite all our differences.  . . . The community we aspire to become has long been taking shape within the community we are: unfinished, contradictory, unjust, yet capable of change. What matters is that we continually re-establish what we have in common through collective action. 

 Olaf Zenker