A Benevolent Dictatorship vs. Democracy

Almost every political scientist will tell you the most efficient form of government is a benevolent dictatorship. With election of the new pope we see a good example of this. Of course, if you are a descent student of church history the key part here is “benevolent”. Not all popes have been so, and certainly not many secular dictators show this.

On the other hand we have democracy, which is messy and slow. In recent years one can question whether we even have a democracy in this country anymore but rather have a plutocracy or an oligarchy led by the rich; modern dukes and earls and viscounts and such. We are stuck in gridlock and such hardline ideologies, especially on the far right, that little get done and our citizens suffer for this.

I wonder if the last 35 years of our history will go down as the worst ever. We know how to distribute wealthy equally and equitably, to give voice to the populace, and become the great leaders of the world we once were. But do we have the resolve or ability to restore the democracy.

It’s good to be old and to know that likely we will not feel the long-range effects of bad policies. But we are concerned about the future of our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. What will their world look like? Will they know what the American Dream was and whether it is still possible?

As we pray for the pope we need to pray for ourselves as well. We also need to remember the majority of prayer is best spent in listening for guidance rather than telling God our druthers. Let it be so.