Prince William’s visit has Australians talking again about whether Australia should become a republic, cutting all ties with Britain and its Royal Family.

Sydney law professor, G. Williams, says, “The idea that someone should be born into the highest position in Australian Government is more than quaint; it is objectionable . . . inconsistent with what is otherwise a democratic and egalitarian system.” (Sydney Morning Herald, January 20)

Democratic?

Does democracy guarantee that a people will be well-governed? Does democracy facilitate God’s will being done, which is (according to Our Saviour Jesus Christ) what we should pray for every day?

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There are built-in problems with democracy.

Politicians in democracies are never quite out of election mode — never resting from jostling for political favour.

The media reduce “democracy” to a distraction, a game — Howard versus Rudd, Obama versus Clinton — as though they were all charisma-exuding, Australian Idol/American Idol contestants. 

With democracy, our rulers will always be would-be celebrities, with celebrity (i.e. super-saturatedly-self-absorbed) mindsets.

Always show-ponies.

Nearly always millionaires.

Nearly always for sale, conscience-wise.

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What about democracy’s good points?

Last November, voters in Switzerland voted to ban the building of new minarets on mosques.

Swiss government spokespersons condemned the measure, saying it violated Switzerland’s “tradition of tolerance” — but under Switzerland’s People’s-Referendum system, the government was stuck with it, and was obliged to issue a statement saying it “respects this decision; consequently the construction of minarets is no longer permitted”.

The Swiss People’s Party had forced the vote by collecting 100,000 signatures within the previous 18 months.

That’s real democracy.

How about a People’s-Referendum system for Australia?

Do we really believe in democracy – or do we prefer ongoing government-by-media-brainwash as at present?

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So is democracy a good thing or a bad thing?

Perhaps it is simply an irrelevant thing?

What is relevant then?

The answer will appear on this blog tomorrow.

Stand by.