![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
A Birthright, or a Choice?
Apr. 29th, 2004 11:31 amDemocracy or Monarchy?
I have heard of democracies. Half-informed citizens choosing a stranger from among them based on promises of what will be done if elected. Then a few years later you toss it all to the winds again, and take a gamble on keeping him or choosing another. It seems to be very confusing and unsettled to me. I would not wish to live within such a system.
Now, monarchies are not perfect, mind you. But they have some advantages. A future ruler is groomed from birth, trained in the ways of diplomacy, schooled with the knowledge of the lands to be ruled, and taught to accept the responsibility when the time comes to take the throne. Yes, we have had some problems – Denethor, the former Steward of Gondor being the most recent that comes to mind. Yet, even though he will no doubt be remembered as a madman, he did not start life that way. Indeed, I was influential in blocking his actions on that final day of his life, yet I still can recall the Steward as he was in earlier years. He was corrupted by powers beyond his control. Had he been a President and not a Steward, it would not have changed this fact. It was not the monarchy that failed us in the dark days that followed.
Now, I am a loyal soldier to my Prince Faramir of Ithilien. Every event of his life has led him towards who and what he is today. Could I feel as loyal to a leader shoved to the forefront after traveling a path greased by bribery, coercion, empty promises and soon-forgotten campaigns? No, I do not think I could.
Beregond: Captain of the White Company, the Guard of Faramir Prince of Ithilien.
Fandom: The Lord Of The Rings
Word Count: 279
I have heard of democracies. Half-informed citizens choosing a stranger from among them based on promises of what will be done if elected. Then a few years later you toss it all to the winds again, and take a gamble on keeping him or choosing another. It seems to be very confusing and unsettled to me. I would not wish to live within such a system.
Now, monarchies are not perfect, mind you. But they have some advantages. A future ruler is groomed from birth, trained in the ways of diplomacy, schooled with the knowledge of the lands to be ruled, and taught to accept the responsibility when the time comes to take the throne. Yes, we have had some problems – Denethor, the former Steward of Gondor being the most recent that comes to mind. Yet, even though he will no doubt be remembered as a madman, he did not start life that way. Indeed, I was influential in blocking his actions on that final day of his life, yet I still can recall the Steward as he was in earlier years. He was corrupted by powers beyond his control. Had he been a President and not a Steward, it would not have changed this fact. It was not the monarchy that failed us in the dark days that followed.
Now, I am a loyal soldier to my Prince Faramir of Ithilien. Every event of his life has led him towards who and what he is today. Could I feel as loyal to a leader shoved to the forefront after traveling a path greased by bribery, coercion, empty promises and soon-forgotten campaigns? No, I do not think I could.
Beregond: Captain of the White Company, the Guard of Faramir Prince of Ithilien.
Fandom: The Lord Of The Rings
Word Count: 279
