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There is talk that democracy is in danger, that intentional deceit, human error, or out of control technology will  threaten democracy. I think that fear is misunderstood. It is not democracy that is in danger. It is what democracy brings that is in danger, for democracy brings what the majority wants—whatever that is.

Democracy is only counting numbers. What those numbers lead to is a matter of beliefs and values, of the cultural currents beneath the numbers, but numbers are just numbers.  If fifty-one want bad things, and forty-nine want good things, then bad things prevail.  It has nothing to do with our “democratic” ideals. , only arithmetic, nothing to do with good or bad, only numbers.

What, then, can be done about the way the present turbulent, disorderly currents are flowing? We should do what we can to help guide the currents toward a better kingdom. We should practice the words of Jesus: love our enemies and do good to those in need.