I was asked to write an essay for a book called, "What is Democracy." Here's what I wrote:

What is Democracy?

In a democracy the people are ultimately responsible for the actions of their government. A person may not enjoy having that responsibility, but it is a fact for every person living in a democracy. No matter how intrusive the government becomes, or whether or not you believe the office holders were legitimately elected, the power behind a democratic government ultimately lies with the people.

Democracy - rule by the people - demands that we learn to sort out hard facts from opinion. The issue of global warming is a wonderful example. By the year 2000 the scientific facts were undisputable that global warming is real, it is caused by human activity and it is an enormous threat to the future of many of God's creatures including our children and grandchildren. Yet today, many people still choose to listen to political pundits backed by corporate interests who tell us that all the facts are a big hoax. Why? Perhaps as an excuse to shirk their moral responsibility to do their part in dealing with the problem. As a result, very little is being done. And who's fault is it? In a democracy the responsibility lies in the people - not the government - not the corporations. People vote for their governors in every election - whether they cast a ballot or not - and they vote on corporate behavior every time they spend a dollar.

Democracy also demands that the people employ the most effective means to deal with problems - even if that requires government involvement. Anti-regulation factions are quick to point out the virtues of personal responsibility. But that responsibility includes recognizing when government is the best party to resolve a problem - e.g. by regulating the amount of carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere.

Perhaps saddest of all is that the people living in a democracy - such as the United States and Israel - are responsible for the atrocities committed by their government. The American and Isreali societies and the societies or all other democracies are each the ultimate force behind the indiscrimate bombings of civilian neighborhoods around the world, the torture and sexual humiliation of prisoners, the degradation of the environment and the foul mistreatment or animals. Yet, while society as a whole may be held to account for these atrocities, those individuals within those societies who work for peace and make the most honest and educated decisions in the voting booths and in the market place don't carry the blood that can be found on the hands of those who actively or passively support the policies and the policy makers who carry out these atrocities.

- Spook Handy is a performing songwriter of folk/Americana music. More info can be found at www.spookhandy.com