Democracy can be simply defined as the collective expression of many people acting in their own interests. The wise men who drafted our constitution, as a pragmatic expression of ideals, were also thinking of the greater good over time, and of how a few powerful individuals could be prevented from manipulating the laws of society. And so there are three branches of government, and we, as citizens, are supposed to be able to influence the decisions of at least two of those branches.  

Self-interest is certainly a powerful motivator when making political decisions, but more and more, ideology justifies and cements our views. Words such as freedom and liberty, or equality and justice, can be used to divide, as well as join. As we watch politicians involve themselves in business promotion and debates over moral issues, are we certain they are acting in our interests?

The writers contributing to this issue of The Commonwealth Tree all seem to share a belief: that our government, and the politicians who inhabit it, just aren’t doing their jobs they way they should. While that opinion is certainly nothing new, its expressions seem to be reaching new crescendos in our society (though thoughtfully in these pages). 

But this issue’s contributors are not as interested in promoting selected interests, or even ideological doctrines, as much as they’d like to point out a deficiency and a requirement: These are the movement of government away from the basic common good, and the need for citizens to take responsibility for their government, and for the actions of those who make the laws.

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Just a reminder:

The Commonwealth Tree would like you to write down your ideas, opinions and experiences, and contribute them to this journal. The subject for the next issue can be found at Themes of Future Issues. Guidelines for submissions can be found by going to Contribute Your Writing.