A Shot Across The “Bow” (Part 2): The Shot

“Call it a Pridebow!”

Well, Mack’s synapses have surely been working overtime. And he even has me involved in his bacchanal – despite my wanting to kill him for disturbing my rest!

“Okay. I can see your point.”

“And add a wave to it. Or two. Make it stand out. You know, like symbolising the oceans of humanity who subscribe to their way.”

“Are you getting paid for this? You’re sounding like an ad exec!”

“Wish I was! On both counts!”

“Well, you advocating for their democratic rights, and sounding pretty good doing it!”

“Speaking of democratic rights …”

“Ow, nooo …”

“… what do some democratic countries have against the LB+ people?”

“Most democracies were founded by folk with religious backgrounds. Almost impossible to uproot that entirely from their system, however honourable the intent. The fallout to that community is what happens when you try to insert a theocratic pattern into a democratic setup.”

“Huh?”

“In a democracy, at least in theory, once your activity does not deprive another of their life or property for your benefit, it is not punishable – even if it is immoral as sin!”

“So let me guess … in a theocracy, immorality is a crime.”

“Clearly you’re a quick learner!”

“I rub shoulders only with the brightest!”

“Flattery will not spare you from my wrath if you don’t let me get my sleep!”

“Depriving you of property, am I?”

“(Grrr …)”

“So democracy and theocracy can’t mix, right?

“Right. And if you keep trying to mix them, you are likely to get an autocracy.”

“Eh??”

“Uh, huh. In a democracy, the best you get is ‘agree to disagree.’ In a theocracy, God appoints, and the people agree.”

“Really? That’s how a theocracy works?”

“Ideally. And in the days of King Saul in the Old Testament, it was the people who wanted a king, and God obliged.”

“Oh! Okay. And where does autocracy fit in?”

“ ’I appoint, and you’d better agree!’ ”