We come from different ethnic backgrounds, speak different languages, and practice different religions, We have different sexes, different ages, and pursue different professions and avocations. These differences will c ome out, sooner or later, and they will be expressed in a licit or an illicit manner, either legally or illegally. Most of us here probably support democracy as a political form of government, but this is not a universal phenomenon. Karla and I took a trip to Asia last year, visiting such countries as Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. We found great interest in the work of ICNL, but we also encountered great resistance to many of the fundamental tenants of democracy.
Democracy is an inherently imperfect and often messy form of government.
It is frustrating and inefficient. It is the only form of government, however, that assures th at the government will generally serve the interests of the people, rather than the people being victimized and exploited by the government. For democracy to succeed, however, each major segment of society must come to trust that the system will be fair, that their voices will be heard, that government institutions can generally be trusted, and that they will have a chance to influence government, or even gain a majority voice in the government. Privatization of public properties and services. In the special circumstances of countries em erging from authoritarian or totalitarian regimes, however, it is appropriate to highlight this justification.