Parliamentary Government?

To answer this question, we must delve into the debate as to whether a government is REFLECTIVE of the character of the people governed, or whether it is DIRECTIVE, by which I mean that the government of a people sets its course. Personally, I tend to believe that the government of a nation is reflective of those governed...at least it eventually gets that way. While charismatic leaders in government DO affect the mindset of the people, lasting changes don't occur JUST because governments change.

As evidence of this notion, look at what just happened in Afghanistan. The U.S. took out the oppressive regime with had oppressed its people...so they turned right around and established another government: one that executes people for converting from Islam to Christianity. So did we really help those people?

Look at what happens here in the United States when one of our elected officials takes bribes, involves himself with corruption, or commits adultery. The word of his indisretions hits the newspapers, a hue an cry is raised, and people start calling for official impeachment. Often, crooked government officials end up in jail. That's because at its core, the American people as a whole simply don't tolerate certain things. True, not EVERYONE feels that way, but enough do that we have an influential trend in our country that hinders such corruption.

Now compare that to the government of nations where government officials (and even cops) take bribes, the poor are exploited by the wealthy, and graft and corruption in government are practically expected. Those things go on because, at its core, the people of that nation tolerate those things...otherwise, there'd eventually be decisive changes.

So to answer your question, no, I don't think a change in government is the answer (at least not by itself). The hearts and minds of a nation are changed by moral trends, awareness movements, religious revivals, and sound thinking authors. As new generations are encouraged to adopt values rooted in time-honored principles, changes occur, and the governement begins to adopt the emerging philosphy of the nation. This brings lasting changes.

Troy Fullerton

Pauls Valley, OK

Yes.

A resounding yes.

With God, all things are possible.

Yours truly,

John-Peter Creighton

Galesburg, Illinois,

United States of America