Essays in Idleness

That political participation — in a “modern democracy,” since time out of mind — is a wasteful and unrewarding process, encouraging almost entirely the wrong sort of people — may well be understood by now. Just look at the candidates, in almost any huge election (dominion or provincial, federal or state), and one may see the argument against voting at all, and why one ought to be uneasy before one gets robbed; and yet, “hope springs eternal.” A clear majority of voters, everywhere, don’t know any better, and despite many obviously painful experiences, subscribe to the propaganda for “progress.”

My own contribution to the democratic discussion is: “Abandon hope!” God did not, or could not possibly, wish any of his beloved children to be enmired by a wicked, secular regime. But this is inevitable, because God has granted us the freedom to make our own beds — personally and collectively. And we voluntarily lie in these Procrustian beds. He leaves us to choose between Him, and the vile regimes; and with the time to learn, and choose a better system, in which only the competent advance. He teaches us to endure.

Paradoxically, He also left instructions that we should obey the tyrants, when they are governing, and even tolerate (when possible) if they are not being especially tyrannical and corrupt. The mediaeval scholars were sensitive to the need for revolution when they have gone too far, and did realize that revolution would require direct, physical means. Communists, Nazis, and perhaps Fascists require this. Rather than plead for a pause to their evils, we might wish for their annihilation, and when there is an opportunity, participate in annihilating them. But this should apply only to the extreme cases.

It would not do to be constantly debating when the shooting should begin. One may honestly wait until the bastards come at you. It is usually enough that the citizen be well-armed, for thus are incendiaries made respectful.

Islam may never have been a religion of peace (as we will quickly learn by reading with attention the Koran and the Hadiths), but Christianity has proven that a religion can actually be peaceful, nine times out of ten.