If there is a mystical chord in democracy, it probably revolves around the notion that unexpected music can resonate from politics when people are pursuing questions larger than self... I have seen that ennobling effect in people many, many times- expressed by those who found themselves engaged in genuine acts of democratic expression, who claimed their right to define the larger destiny of their community, their nations.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the uplifting potential of democracy when individuals engage in collective pursuits beyond their personal interests.
William Greider reflects on the powerful and harmonious effects that democracy can have when people come together for a purpose greater than themselves. He emphasizes how genuine democratic engagement allows individuals to feel a sense of nobility and connection with their community, leading to a more profound impact on society as a whole.
In practice
In a speech about civic responsibility, one might say, 'As William Greider noted, when we pursue questions larger than ourselves, we can create unexpected music in democracy.'
As long as in this territory west of the Jordan river there is only one political entity called Israel, it is going to be either non-Jewish or non-democratic. If this bloc of millions of Palestinians cannot vote, that will be an apartheid state.
Terrorism constitutes a direct attack on the values the UN stands for: the rule of law; the protection of civilians; peaceful resolution of conflicts; and mutual respect between people of different faiths and cultures.
Herr Schroder has conducted two electoral campaigns, and he is doing it again now, by not telling people what is really necessary. He keeps avoiding the difficult and uncomfortable issues, those that imply changes and therefore provoke discussions.
The Bill of Rights is not an a la carte menu.
Tyranny has perhaps oftener grown out of the assumptions of power, called for, on pressing exigencies, by a defective constitution, than out of the full exercise of the largest constitutional authorities.
Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.