In an op-ed in today’s New York Times, opposition leader Tzipi Livni discusses what it really means to have a democratic government. As she notes, it’s about values, not about just winning elections and holding power. Here’s an excerpt:
The intent here is not to stifle disagreement, exclude key actors from the political process or suggest that democracy be uniform and disregard local cultures and values. The goal is to make clear that the democratic process is not a free pass — it is about responsibilities as well as rights.
“Unless such groups are forced to choose between these conflicting identities, their participation in elections not only risks empowering extremists, it risks debasing the values of democracy itself.”
Yes, western Democracies are working in a very dangerous way at the moment. Do work for peace, but be careful not make terrorists be held under your arms! They do not have freedom on their agenda!