Democracy

Winston Churchill said – and I paraphrase - that democracy was the worst way to run a country but that there was no better alternative.

For democrats it has been a depressing few weeks. The referendum campaign has been led by campaigns on both sides of the argument that have failed to bring forward any positive vision of what might be delivered by their preferred option. I am glad not to be part of either formal campaign.

While I think politicians have let themselves down, more importantly they have let the electorate down. Most will have less sense of the implications of their vote than at any previous vote that I have been involved in over 50+ years.

But at the end of the day, it was a defeated US Presidential Candidate who summed up this awkward process of democracy when he said, “The people have spoken – the b****rds!”

Daisy and Nicola at the
Scottish Parliament

But there is hope. I have had Daisy Collins – shortly to be late pupil at Banff Academy and thereafter to be a History and Politics student – with me for a week in Parliament. Learning yes, but also doing some real hard work. Like many of her generation she brings fresh insight and new energy to the craft of politics. Privilege to have you on board Daisy, however briefly.

And the 2014 referendum – and this year's Scottish Parliament election – showed that we can trust the young with our future. 16 and 17 year olds engaged in genuine and diverse debate on big decisions that will matter for all our futures.

The very word democracy is far from new. “Demos” is the Greek word for “people” and “kratia” that for “rule”. And its origins date back some 2,000 years.

It came to the English language in the 16th century via French. Demonstrating once again the acquisitive nature of the language we use and which has been gifted to us, and the world, by our generous neighbours south of the border. Probably their greatest and most valuable achievement. And all done without government help.

Across the Atlantic, we are watching one of the most expensive elections in history – the US Presidential election, $300 million and counting? - and for my part wondering if an election where only billionaires can afford to run for office is in any meaningful sense rule by the people – democracy.

On this side of the Atlantic, the very rigid limits on what candidates can spend, and the equally onerous reporting requirements, leave the door open to candidates of much more modest means.

And that means the arguments count for more here than the candidate's wealth does in the USA.

If our friends – and my many relatives – across the Atlantic vote in their first female president, I for one will rejoice. If politics cannot break with the past, there is no future. Good luck Hilary.