… if you prefer to read this series as one page, please go to https://mikevargamusings.com/institutions-re-examined/
I was thinking the other day that the difference we enjoy as a country, vis-à-vis so many failed states, is the rule of law which is largely uncorrupted, and a free press, which we hold in high enough regard, to not thwart its capability to hold institutions accountable. Yes, news outlets have become increasing opinion dominant, and can be a part of the conspiratorial problems we see, but there are many outlets still providing news, and presenting alternative opinions. We, as a people, have the opportunity to research and understand issues, and our institutions from many viewpoints. As individuals we should be advocates for multiple outlets of information. Encourage others to seek additional points of view, for then, maybe we can keep conspiracies in check, and have better insight to the functions of our institutions.
Our justice system works for us. Certainly, there are biases built-in to the system, but fairness is checked through our free press. These two institutions make us better than we could be otherwise. For as we’ve established institutions can and will be corrupted.
The challenge of the 2020 election in court cases that presented no real evidence of fraud were repeatedly thrown out in every case, sometimes by judges that had been appointed by the Trump administration. The justice system, when it came to upholding the rule of law, was a bedrock institution in our country. This stability protects our rights. Ensuring that laws that have been passed by our legally elected representatives are upheld, as well as, ensuring that our constitutional rights are respected.
A free press keeps us aware of excesses or failures of institutions; and the judicial system, holds the institutions and its leaders to account. Clearly the judicial system, and the press are institutions, but they are institutions with sufficient fragmentation and diversity to keep from being corrupted from the top down for power, they operate on traditions that keep them from being overcome by bureaucracy. Although subject to the efficiency errors of labeling, they are sufficiently dedicated to their mission of justice, and informing (journalistic integrity) that they have survived intact despite attempts to corrupt them.
A new generation is emerging. I see it everywhere, and I think it is amazing, and it gives me hope that we have protected our systems and institutions well enough that they may just be repaired and made better by this next generation.