• HakFoo@lemmy.sdf.org
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    20 hours ago

    Democracy can be both a mechanic-- “we have elections”, and a philosophy-- “the state responds to and serves public interest.”

    Ironically, fixation on the mechanic can hinder the philosophy. Winning elections can come through short-term plays that sell long-term outcomes out (for example, low taxes by scrimping on infrastructure and state services) or dueling sabotage to sink the other party’s prospects.