Do you BELIEVE in democracy?

Do you BELIEVE in democracy? And – no, I’m not asking if you regard democracy as effective, useful, or upstanding. Technically, of course, democracy is a type of political regime in which political power is controlled by the people who come and vote, and judge their rulers. YET, behind any technical solutions (about elections, campaigns, etc.), there is something more: a PRINCIPLE of democracy. It says that people are equal to one another, and the MORE people are engaged in the process of political decision-making, the better. It follows that the equal men and women should know what is best for THEIR state or community… Does it work easily? No, because we DIFFER from one another, have different backgrounds, abilities, temperaments, passions, some are simply stupid - we know this very well - so there is no such thing like a ‘general will’ that can emerge from those millions of voices, faces, spirits gathered together to vote. The REAL democracy is not about the power of the people of something like that. The real democracy is about EDUCATING people so they would be able, and willing, and RESPONSIBLE enough, to take part in the political life of their country. Otherwise, it all crashes. And it all depends on the belief that we are better men and women if we take part in the political life, not being confined to the private. The question, however, is about the changing quality of our education… Or maybe it is NOT education anymore?... Persuasion instead? Manipulation? Managing of emotions? And then, who controls THIS? How do you believe?