Letter: Swampy vs democracy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: There is a difference between the idealism of youth, which prompts so many young people into taking up some form of voluntary activity, and the political minority rule advocated by the anti-roads protester Swampy ("The Gospel according to Swampy", 17 February).
He appears to believe that we should substitute the tyranny of single- issue politics with, in many cases, its anarchy, for democratic procedures where a majority view is taken. If he believes that single-issue politics will not experience corruption, he is more naive than appears.
What is necessary in a democracy, apart from a fair voting system, is strong institutions which thwart corruption. Unfortunately, many of these have been found wanting, but that does not mean that we give up and abandon the role of institutional control.
Someone who takes the financial benefits of a structured society and thwarts the majority will of the providers needs to look at his own moral base before lecturing others.
NORMAN WEBB
Halifax, West Yorkshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments