The Will of the People

As a student of politics I tend to approach politics theoretically rather than empirically. While many argue that theories are simply a lot of talk and “pretty words,” I argue that if used correctly, theories provide us with the tools necessary to make sense of our current political reality, and understand who we are as a society and why we function in certain ways.

In the last few days we have been hearing a lot on the healthcare debate. While many support the idea of healthcare for most Americans, many others do not. There are great arguments on both sides of the debate.

And it is here, right at this moment, in times of great debate between citizens, that we must stop and take a look at the concepts that define us as a country, state, community, and citizens. Theoretically, what makes a political authority legitimate and what is our role in such authority?

Thus, I ask, should the will of the people shape the laws of the land, or should the laws of the land shape the will of the people? Theoretically, that is for each one of us to decide as citizens of the United States. However, currently, the law of the land in terms of health reform does not reflect the will of a great majority.

Nevertheless, there is no doubt, as evidenced by many former events in our political history, that if the new healthcare reform succeeds, the will of new generations of Americans will be shaped by what has recently become the law of the land. After all, it happened with the American Revolution, the passage of Social Security, and the New Deal. However, if it does not succeed, the new law will not shape the will of the people, and rather the will of the people will determine the law.

Just thinking…