Dear Editor,
Recently, I had a discussion with a friend in which the essence of democracy was discussed and where he believed that it all started with the American Revolution and the articles of the new American constitution. I agreed with his assessment if it was qualified to state that modern democracy was initiated by the American Revolution but the essence of democracy was discovered by the Greeks and actually practised in Athens and other Greek city states. I pointed out that the Federalist Papers are some of the most amazing and comprehensive expressions of the birth of a new state which one could imagine, with the particular expressions of Alexander Hamilton’s brilliant treatises (he wrote the most articles in the Federalist Papers).
But the birth of a modern democracy in the United States of America was only achieved by the hard work, shared dreams, creative entreprenurship and superlative leadership provided by its first government, led by its greatest president, George Washington. My friend reminded me about the fact that President Washington was able to run a new country with only three ministers – Knox in Defence, Thomas Jefferson in Foreign Affairs and Alexander Hamilton in Finance, and I responded that in fact Hamilton’s brilliance in dealing with the finances of this new state of America, secured the well-being of that country’s future generations by creating the foundation for the birth and survival of a successful free enterprise system and a real democracy.
Hamilton’s treatises on customs duties and tariffs; on federalism (a success story in the American saga); on international banking and the creation of a central bank; on keeping taxation low to encourage investment and spending; on the role of government and its responsibility to the people, all reflect a vision fully supported by President Washington himself.
My friend reminded me that in fact, it was Hamilton who led the final charge at Yorktown in the final British defeat at the hands of the American revolutionaries. I pointed out that a lot of ‘revolution’ scholars like to say that Mao was the man who invented modern guerrilla warfare, but if we look at history honestly, then George Washington was the man who invented guerrilla warfare when fighting the British army, then the best in the world. I further pointed out the terrible struggle against the British for eight long years endowed the American Revolution with resolute fighters like Hamilton who were dedicated to new concepts of democracy.
We both agreed that the American Revolution was a success as opposed to the French, Russian or Chinese revolutions, because in the latter three the essence of democracy was not only lost, but transformed into an excuse for class confrontation which imploded into tyranny. We both agreed that the essence of success in running a country, as proven by the success of the USA, is leadership with a vision for the future, and President Washington along with his three brilliant ministers made sure that the essence of democratic norms remained intact.
But it was not only in talk but in action where Washington set down new standards for democracy for the world to see; he chose to serve only two terms as president even though he could have died in office, thus setting a precedent for democracy in America. As a matter of fact, with the surrender of British forces in New York, Washington as head of all continental forces could have seized military power, but again he made sure that to preserve democracy, all military forces were strictly under civilian control in the name of the Continental Congress. Washington’s administration was the first in the world to push for separate branches of government with each having independence of thought and action: the Executive (President), the Legislative (Congress) and the Judiciary; this separation of powers has made America a much stronger democracy.
The great deeds of President Washington, I assured my friend, from his frontier days as a surveyor to his brilliant generalship during the revolution and finally as the head of state, without a doubt place him in the company of the greatest leaders the world has seen.My friend did not realize the influence which the Greeks had on concepts of democracy, and he was amazed at the following passage by which all governments should abide, especially this government which muzzles the freedom of the press. The following passage is actually from a speech by Perikles, Athens’ greatest orator in 450 bc:
“In our political life we do not emulate the customs of our neighbours; no, rather than imitating anyone else, it is more the case that we are an example for others to follow. Our constitution is called a democracy because government is in the hands not of a few but of the majority; where private disputes are concerned everyone is equal under the law, and men are preferred for public office not because of their rank but because of their excellent qualities, according to their merits and their distinction in some field. On the other hand, no one is prevented by poverty or public obscurity from benefiting the city [Athens] in any way he can…”The Greeks had an amazing civilization with commerce and trade using maritime innovations the world had never seen; great philosophers and historians; and democratic city states which could teach lessons in democracy to some of the rulers of this country.
Yours faithfully,
Cheddi (Joey) Jagan (Jr)
