Democracy’s Achilles’ Heel: Humankind

“Democracy’s Achilles’ Heel is only vulnerable to Humankind when its people turn a “blind eye”  to the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, and commit their allegiance to a demagogue!    John Johnson II.. 12/12/24

By John Johnson II

America has become the most potent Democracy throughout the world and the reigning nuclear power. It created the NATO Alliance, a collective defense agreement among North American and European countries. It has further strengthened its ability to defend itself from other adversarial Countries with nuclear weapons. Despite having prevailed in every major war, beginning with the American Revolution of 1812, and continuing through  World War II of 1941, Democracy’s Achilles’ Heel remains Humankind!

The question is, “How could democracy’s Achilles’ Heel reside within its creator, Humankind?” The answer lies in history, and we must learn from it. Are politicians, professors, social scientists, and citizens oblivious to the lessons from the fall of great empires? We must not be naïve!

A quick review of the common elements that led to the fall of four past and recent great empires, such as Persia, Rome, China, and the Soviet Union, may provide clues on protecting Democracy’s Achilles’ Heel. These empires collapsed due to internal political instability, economic decline, social unrest, corruption, and a lack of strong central leadership with integrity.

Given the information presented above, every individual residing in America should put on hold temporarily their concerns about inflation,  immigration, and the costs of food and gas and ask aloud, “If Democracy’s Achilles’ Heel is humankind, how can we defend and  preserve it?” We have a role in this, and our citizen responsibility is crucial.

The answer to this age-old question is that America is a “republic” because voters elect their Officials to run their government as a Democracy of, for, and by them. Consequently, voters must elect Officials with integrity, especially the President. A summary of the following historical declaration provided by the Founding Fathers  about Democracy reads:

“The longevity of pure Democracy could be prone to instability and “mob rule,” emphasizing the importance of a representative republic with checks and balances to safeguard Democracy through a system where elected leaders would represent the people’s interests while preventing tyranny of the majority;”…

Founding Father John Adams’ infinite wisdom provided another disturbing quote about Democracy’s Achilles’ Heel and fate:

“Democracy never lasts long. It soon degenerates into anarchy, which is the extreme of tyranny; and then, the people, seeking security, take refuge in the absolute power of an individual.”

The 2024 Presidential election has again exposed   Democracy’s Achilles’ Heel: Humankind. Unfortunately, this group includes voters blinded by racism, non-voters embroiled in apathy,   Officials void of integrity, ultra-rich fueled by greed, Evangelicals driven by moral convictions, and SCOTUS’  descent into the pits of unethical purgatory.

Who is the individual that John Adams envisioned the people would turn a “blind eye” and one day seek security and take refuge?

YOU BE THE JUDGE!