Democracy Shmocracy: A Kuwaiti Story

We are only 19 days away from elections as the country heats up, more electoral headquarters open, and people filter down their last few candidates. Tonight is the opening of Al-Tahaluf Al-Watani which is the viewed as the liberal party in the race. Liberal here does not mean the same as it does in the United States. In America, Liberal is the direct opposition of Conservative. Here in Kuwait, Liberal is set as the opposite of Political Islam. While it can still be referred to as such, anyone who knows who Rush Limbaugh is should know that Kuwaiti Liberalism is closer to a mesh of Republican economic policies with the Democrats humanitarian agenda, so I am not sure if Rush would even bother giving it airtime. Yesterday was the opening of Khaled Al-Sultan who is the head of the Seleffy organization, one of the two (perhaps three if you include Al-Umma) Political Islam groups in Kuwait and a respected leader among those circles across the Arab world.

What a wide range we enjoy in Kuwait. You have the leftists the extreme rightists and everything in between. Democracy, competition, and increased focus on corruption have made this election more issues-focused than any previous one we have ever experienced. You talk to one person, and say will you vote for Joe Shmoe? He'll ask "Where does Joe Shmoe stand on increasing minimum wage?" My previous post about transition covered the change Kuwait is facing. So what's the problem? Aren't things becoming better?

I talked to a coworker of mine and asked him: "How are the elections with you? You fired up?". Keeping in mind that this person is at least ten years my senior, he replied "Oh I don't watch that garbage, I'm not registered". Wait a second…how can he not be registered? I mean granted, there are a few people out there who falsely believe that their failure to play a role in change is the same as protesting the current situation and choose not to vote. This person has never registered. He went through college, worked for years and years and just refused to take part in the democratic process. I asked him why, and this was the conversation we had:

Middle Aged Boss Man: There is no such thing as real democracy. Not even in the United States (I love that someone who has never lived in the US thinks they understand it like its Adailiya). Oh don't get me wrong…the US has freedoms. Freedoms and democracy are not the same.

Saracen: Ok…then what type of system would you like for Kuwait?

Middle Aged Boss Man: I think we have to have one supreme ruler who can make the decisions for all the country. He is the final word and we obey. Everything is at a halt because of the Parliament and the problems they caused throughout the year. Look at Dubai…because it’s a one man show, their leader can go invest tons of money where ever he wants and the people don't have a say.

Saracen: Yeah, but what about you? What about your voice? The Parliament is the watchful eye of the people, making sure that the forces of corruption stay in check so that Kuwait can remain beautiful. Are you happy with just being a passenger?

Middle Aged Boss Man: There is no such thing as Democracy! This is not democracy, this is a farse.

Saracen: What if someone came and said that our current conversations is against the law? What if someone came and said that your daughter is not allowed to receive an education. Or because your son doesn't do well at school, he has to be moved to a school of lesser caliber. Who will you go to?

Middle Aged Boss Man: I don't need to go to anyone. The ruler decides and we obey. Listen Saracen, we are behind and its all because of these individuals. Anyone who is actually good and is running for Parliament is STUPID, excuse my language. If they were really good, they would not run."

Saracen: Ok, well that's how you see it…but wait a second. You never registered? I would understand if you were disenchanted with the current situation just because of crisis after crisis…but what about before?

Middle Aged Boss Man: I believe in one man rule. Democracy Shmocracy.

My opinion is and will always be that the worse Parliament is better than no Parliament at all. If you are one of those who believe that there is in fact no one worth voting for, than practice your obligation in selecting the lesser of all evils. However, with the selection of political views and the array independents that are in each electoral district, don't hide behind undeveloped and uneducated understanding of democracy. Don't justify laziness by sounding some grand view of anti-Democracy mumbo jumbo. Its sad and pathetic and we're on to you.

What we are all supposed to be...