Democracy is as good as its people

Democracy is as good as its People. How can that be the case? Simply, democracy is a government "of the People", "by the People", and "for the people". OK, but isn't that first sentence a little simplistic? Not really! Consider an Autocratic or Divine structure of government. That government is as good as the person on Top. How can it be otherwise? Of course, that position of power can, and in most cases, is abused. How many 'autocrats' are concerned with the welfare of the people? None! Nevertheless, democracy can also have People problems. Normally, the problematic in a democracy is that the People themselves choose, by the electoral process, who is to govern them. But, how are they educated about the person who wishes to govern them? Usually, the candidate himself or herself, speaks on his, her behalf. There is lots of publicity about the candidate; some is favorable, some unfavorable. The masses have to choose the 'right' person. All candidate come from among the ranks of the People whom the candidate will govern. Usually, they come from the 'moneyed ranks'.(not necessarily the most wealthy group,the 1%, but certainly from a financial 'level of comfort'). How often do the People choose the 'wrong " person? Or, how often are they mis-informed, mal-informed or just plain 'not informed' about the real wishes or goals of the candidate? Who does the, not, mal, or mis- informing? Well ,here's where the Party mentality kicks in. The electoral process is not perfect, but it needs less party devotion. Parties choose candidates and their selection follows the Party platform, which is based on the Party ideology. Party ideologies have many different approaches to the same issue. However, the basic issue in a democracy is the Freedom and Equality of all the people. Of course, its not the only issue, but, if that position is respected by the Party, the Party can claim to be democratic. If not, the Party is only seeking to put one of theirs in a position of power from which the members of the Party can gain. Unfortunately, that is about power. Hence, real democracy is about People. Imperfect as they may be, they are our only hope.