Democracy itself is a term neither straightforward nor simple, but rather relates essentially to the founding principles of a governing body acting in the best interest of the People by encouraging independent thinking and personal input. The ideal presented by democracy has provided many with the platform to express their beliefs and desires; actions which have had the result of changing history. Democracy has allowed for ever-changing freedoms based on consensus, rather than restricted by the ideas of a single individual. It is through democracy that those elected by the People are able to express the ideas of the People, creating a nation with the freedom to think for itself.
Eugene Ionesco once said, “Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together.” This quote exemplifies the concept of democracy. Democracy allows for the freedom to voice our beliefs and ideologies, separating us into opposite sides of Parliament, but, no matter our beliefs, we all dream of a better future. Through our shared desire of a better future for ourselves and those we care about, we do not object to nor loathe the views of others as democracy allows us to accept the beliefs and values of others as well as voice our own without fear of persecution, a practice commonplace in countries ruled by a single governing body. As Classical Greek philosopher, Plato, at one time wrote, “Democracy…is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder; and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequals alike.”
Perry Edward Smith once said, “I didn’t have anything against them, and they never did anything wrong to me, the way other people have all my life. Maybe they’re just the ones who have to pay for it.” Abused until adolescents by the authority figures in his life, Smith went on to murder four members of an innocent family during a home invasion, a crime which saw him executed at age 36. This idea, presented by