Since before many of us were born, there has been a concerted effort by various governments to suppress any doubts about democracy as a viable political system. However, isn't it time we confronted some uncomfortable realities?

What do people generally think about life in a democracy? How frequently do you hear frustrations about the stagnant nature of the system and how governmental decisions often favor corporate interests over human needs?

I want to clarify that I am not drawing comparisons between Western governments and those of Russia or China. Doing so would involve evaluating personalities and specific policies. Instead, I aim to analyze the fundamental structure itself. So, democracy or dictatorship—what's the better option?

In late 2021, the Australian government abruptly canceled a submarine agreement with France, opting instead for a $90 billion deal to procure nuclear submarines from the United States.

Here’s how the conversation might have unfolded:

Joe: "Hey Boris, I've devised a great plan to sell those Australians some nuclear subs."

Boris: "Oh really? Should we celebrate with a meal?"

Joe: "Just hear me out. We know the Aussies are eager to make a mark globally. What if we started a new Facebook group—just the three of us—and called it..."

Boris: "(interrupting) Oh yes, yes! Let's name it AUKUS, combining our names!"

Joe: "Exactly. We'll just inform them that joining the group requires purchasing subs from us. Forget about those French guys."

Once the deal was finalized, a pressing question emerged:

How would they present this to the public?

Just a day before the announcement, a press release stated:

> Senior Australian government officials were summoned for an emergency meeting regarding news set to be disclosed from the U.S. at 7:00 a.m. Thursday, Australian time. This corresponds to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time today, and it appears significant (SMH).

They even included the opposition leader and his team, suggesting either a potential conflict or a significant disruption in international relations (Source).

Ultimately, the "big news" was simply that Australia is acquiring submarines.

Yes, that’s right. Don’t overthink it—that’s what transpired.

Australia is purchasing submarines. No war, no crisis, just swiping their visa card down America’s backside.

So, why all the fuss?

Because we exist within a democracy, that’s why.

One of the advantages of a dictatorship is that decisions can be executed swiftly.

If Putin decides to procure submarines, he simply does so.

• He doesn’t need to form a Facebook group with a clever title.
• He doesn’t have to stage a dramatic act about a foreign threat.
• He isn’t obligated to justify his actions to political backers or the populace.
• There’s no requirement to present the matter to parliament.

He just purchases the submarines.

Have you noticed that nations like Russia typically don’t engage in constant verbal attacks against others? The rationale is simple:

Any leader in a democratic framework risks losing their power at any moment.

As a result, every single action they take must be defended. This is usually accomplished through media narratives.

Rupert Murdoch is a prime example of a compromised media figure who utilizes his platform to propagate narratives that favor political leaders. In return, these leaders provide him with political favors. Welcome to democracy, folks.

People often lament about the corruption in dictatorships, attributing it to the concentration of power in one individual. However, this is misleading.

• In our democracy, it is permissible for companies to financially support a politician’s campaign in return for political favors. This practice is known as lobbying. Indeed, corruption is not merely tolerated but actively encouraged.
• In our democracy, tobacco companies can legally enhance the addictiveness of their products. In Australia, 70% of cigarette prices go to the government, which uses it to bolster the budget while touting a ‘surplus’ for political gain. They then criminalize nicotine vaping, labeling it a gateway to tobacco, which remains legal.
• In the U.S., it is lawful for politicians involved in military decisions to own shares in defense firms, allowing them to profit immensely by voting to send their nation to war.
• In the U.S., private prison managers can lobby for stricter criminal penalties to increase their workforce.
• These prison firms can pay inmates less than a dollar an hour to produce items for the government, including military gear and products for corporations like McDonald's, Wendy's, Starbucks, and Walmart.

We are conditioned to view dictatorships as inherently corrupt, yet they can be just as corrupt as democracies. The key distinction is that in democracies, corruption is sanctioned.

In a democracy, if you aim to accomplish something worthwhile, there’s always a cost involved.

• If I want to advance my human rights legislation, I need to wine and dine numerous individuals to secure their votes. In return, I may have to support their pro-fracking initiative or something similar.
• Politicians often indulge in alcohol while working (which is available 24/7, even during critical decision-making periods) and vote based on the deals they’ve struck rather than their convictions.
• These officials earn six-figure salaries, which they continue to receive for life after just four years in office. Meanwhile, they criticize the welfare system as parasitic.

Our political system is fundamentally flawed. It is tailored for avaricious individuals to reap personal benefits.

I’m not asserting that dictatorships are without their shortcomings, but my focus here is on comparing systems, not countries.

Dictatorship isn’t a new phenomenon. Historically, single-person leadership has been far more common than democratic governance.

Have all dictatorships been detrimental to their citizens? Certainly not.

There have been both benevolent and tyrannical leaders. It’s a 50/50 gamble.

But what’s the likelihood of having a hundred benevolent politicians in parliament? I would argue it’s quite low.

Sometimes, I wish for a kind alien dictator to arrive on Earth and take charge, as depicted in Arthur C. Clarke's novel, Childhood's End. Why should we care whether one individual or many govern, as long as it serves the populace?

A democracy is intended to represent the interests of the people, but anyone who still believes this is happening is living in a fantasy world far removed from reality.

Some may argue that the issue with dictatorships is their rise to power often involves violence.

This could be true. But consider this:

How do you think democracies come into power?

Do you imagine they politely knock on doors?

“Excuse me. I’m here to take control of your country. Is that alright?”

Democracies and dictatorships fundamentally mirror each other in how they attain power—through violence.

• The distinction lies in the fact that one simply operates, while the other must justify every political move.
• The extent of corruption is not determined by the system itself but by the individuals elected to that system.

In conclusion, the primary difference between democracy and dictatorship is that multiple individuals create the rules instead of just one.

Do with this knowledge what you will.

If you found this insightful, consider subscribing to my free newsletter where I share more compelling content.

Also, do you enjoy literature? How about tales of bald astronauts selling books? If so, check out my author page at cockrocket.com, the whimsical site at the intersection of the economy and fantasy.

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