The Burden of Democracy

The Northampton Community College faculty includes experts on everything from art to nanotechnology.  As teachers, they enjoy challenging students and each other to think carefully and critically about topics in the news.  Whether you agree or disagree with the views expressed in their blogs, join the discussion by posting your own thoughts.  To do, so, click on “Join” (above) and then sign in, or e-mail your comments to hbutler@northampton.edu for posting.

 In the post below, William Whyte who teaches history at NCC’s campuses in Bethlehem and in Tannersville, defends “The Burden of Democracy.”

 As an adjunct professor of history and a full-time employee of a large financial institution, I constantly strive to relate current events with the past, as well as, bring my real world experiences into the classroom.  This editorial piece by Max Blumenthal is an excellent example of how history relates to present circumstances.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/opinion/03blumenthal.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=opinion&adxnnlx=1251982975-oIjpaLGO2F1zseCF61YD+g

 This essay titled “Ike’s Other Warning” references a letter that President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent to a concerned citizen in 1959, when the United States was in the midst of the Cold War.  Just as many of us feel today, this citizen had lost faith in the government’s ability to lead and was questioning the ambiguous messages coming from the White House.  Ike urged the man not to be disheartened, since skepticism and perplexity are the burdens of a democratic society.  He went on to argue that citizens of a dictatorship, in many ways, get off easy, considering there is no debate and therefore no need to be informed.

 I believe the resurgence of political debate over this past summer is a good thing.  It demonstrates that our republic is alive and well.  When framing the U.S. Constitution, the founding fathers not only worried about a tyrannical central government, they feared placing too much power in the masses, where mob rule could be just as destructive as an authoritarian government.  Citizens vocalizing their concerns on both sides have already forced Congress and the president to reevaluate their plans.

 Here is a recent example of why we must question our leaders.  Baron Hill, an Indiana Democrat, refused to let a journalism student tape his meeting.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdnijARV6QU

 I encourage my students to stay informed, and like a good historian, question the integrity of their sources.  Unscrupulous individuals will use times of uncertainty for their own personal gain, case in point – Senator Joseph McCarthy.  The author warns, “…the rise of extreme movements and authoritarianism could take root anywhere --- even in a democracy.”  So let the town halls continue and be happy you are burdened with a free society!

 About the Author:  William Whyte has taught courses in American history, the Civil War, Vietnam, and modern European history at Northampton Community College.  In addition to teaching at NCC and working in New York City, he is serving as assistant editor  for The Naval Civil War Encyclopedia, due out next fall.  Whyte holds a bachelor's degree in information technology and a master's in history.