Democracy Is Not the Best Form of Government

Michigan is a state that is in a grave fiscal condition. For decades decaying infrastructure of its cities, particularly the inner cities, has needed attention. In Detroit, Flint and other cities and towns, neighborhoods that in the 40s and 50s were vibrant had fallen into such repair that in the early 90s vacant buildings outnumbered occupied buildings. Rusting, aged and deserted industrial plants added to the blight. Today, there are areas of Detroit that have blocks upon blocks of vacant lots.

The result is not only vacant buildings, but dramatically decreased property values. With decreased property values and the weight of deserted industrial, apartment and housing properties have left local governments and school boards with less resources to provide services while costs for police, fire, schools, road repair and other services grew year after year.

In the last two months Michigan’s governor and state legislature passed a bill that allows the governor to appoint an administrative trustee of the governor’s choosing to oversee any school board and local government which is in debt. Accountable only to the governor the trustee has full authority to do whatever he or she desires, including the ability to end unilaterally labor contracts, cut services and close schools. The trustee has the ability to dismiss elected and unelected officials, and sell any local assets he/she deams of value, from local parks to schools to civic buildings. Further, the trustee who has no term limit, and he/she could be an individual or even a company.

The trustee can override zoning laws and business processes. As mentioned the trustee has freedom to sell off municipal parks to a company who wishes to build condos, resorts or golf-courses. That which was held for the common good could be sold an transformed into a private menber's club.

What I find most interesting is that the governor has created a system that functionally admits that democracy is an ineffective government system, particularly when it comes to tackling major problems. While he has not stated it that bluntly, the governor and the Michigan legislature have declared that what is taught in junior high and high school civics classes regarding the value and importance of democracy, and that it is the best form of government, is false. The governor and those who have agreed with him have indicated that when it comes to solving problems or expiditing matters, dictatorships is the best and most effective form of governing. It puts the governor and legislature in disagreement with the citizens of several Middle Eastern peoples who have risen up to cast out their dictators.