The Divrei Torah in this section have been translated by Rav Reuven Ungar, Director of Alumni Affairs
Da Ma LeHashiv - Democratic Values- Part II
By: Rav Moshe Ganz
Summary of Part I- Democracy as a system of government is not the topic of this discussion; rather the values associated with democracy are being examined. Ideally man should strive to perform good actions. Democracy, however, focuses upon "liberty, equality and fraternity". These concepts become the goals of human existence; this constitutes a form of idolatry.
Freedom (liberty) is a case in point. All agree that freedom, in and of itself, is a positive concept. However, freedom of expression and speech are derivatives of this lofty concept. Unrestrained freedom of expression negates censorship. This leads to content matter that ruins the moral fiber of youth and adults. A plentitude of seductive and violent material destroys man's faith in man. People are portrayed in their darker moments; out of proportion to the positive qualities and actions that they possess and perform. Censorship of movies, plays and books would have prevented moral decay in these areas.
The Neturei Karta of Democracy will respond that there is no boundary to censorship. If today item A is censored, tomorrow it will be item B. Before long a person will not be able to express an opinion! This precisely is what I'm referring to. The wise men of Democracy enact a decree, and a decree to the decree (gezara legzara). They did not learn from Chazal that each decree must be examined to ensure that the positive effects do not outweigh the harmful consequences that emanate from the decree.
Exposing children to filth and degenerate material-all in order not to impair the Freedom of self- expression and speech, is tantamount to sacrificing the children upon the altar of the Molech of Democracy. What is one compromising on (the welfare of children), and for what purpose (freedom of speech and self-expression)?!
Let us contemplate the concept of equality; seemingly a positive idea. However, from an over-abundance of equality a teacher can virtually no longer enter a classroom. Students are permeated with disrespect and chutzpah towards their teachers when they are subjected to the equality that is proposed by the wise men of equality. In the absence of discipline (that is predicated upon the principle that the teacher is on a higher level than the student) it is no wonder why schools currently appear the way they do.
Be'ezrat Hashem next week we will continue to examine consequences of the idolatry of democratic values.
| Categorized under: |
1: Machshava
>
General
2: Halacha > General |
| Uploaded: | 1/9/2006 9:57:44 AM |