Untying the Knots: Democracy Decries 155 Poverty & Social Safety Net 01: Episode 39 (original) (raw)

1. In addition to economic development work, social and psychological factors can also contribute to the poverty eradication efforts of a society or community; individuals in politics and the political arena should motivate the people in those matters which, undoubtedly, fall within their responsibilities. 2. That there can be differences of opinion on the same issue within a political party is part of the democratic culture where decisions can be made through secret ballots after open discussion or debate. 3. It is better empowering people by giving importance to the ‘son of the soil’ while trying to 'stand on own feet' than paying 'too much' attention to geopolitics; it is a matter of consideration to what extent we are doing that work. 4. It is evident that political governments become corrupt in many countries; there is no one to empower people today by giving importance to the ‘son of the soil.’ 5. The word 'Balkanize' means 'to break up into small parts which are often hostile to each other;’ the term also has a geographic security perception. 6. If a community works unanimously, instead of being socially and psychologically 'balkanized' in their poverty alleviation efforts, then that poverty alleviation work can be easier for them. 7. In democracy, there can be difference of opinions and 'agree to disagree' is the phrase of democracy; however, in democracy, we can decide unanimously which is true. 8. The notion of 'not being balkanized' is consistent with the democratic mindset; that is, integration, not fragmentation, reflects the democratic mindset because division can narrow the space of people's 'fair rights' while integration, if it transpires, with collective consciousness can expand the space of people's 'fair rights;' here, by democracy, we mean 'fair rights' of the people. 9. To achieve a goal, we may need to do something unpleasant somewhere else in the process and move forward by overcoming the adversity. This we can express by a proverb, 'Break some eggs to make an omelet;' in other words, doing something good may require doing something unpleasant, which we justify in the greater interest of achieving the goal. 10. If we do not burden any one person and share the responsibility, then it is easier to do the work and the ‘equal rights’ or ‘fair rights’ of all are secured, which aligns with our democratic concept. 11. It is best to avoid hubris and adopt a 'low-profile' mindset; this mindset was one of the psychological aspects in China's development process; as we know, for that purpose, there was necessary guideline from their leaders to the people. 12. Experience teaches (experientia docet) and experience is what we need to take with us; in poverty alleviation efforts, we may also need to 'learn from mistakes' and to move forward by correcting them; there is no substitute for experience though, the new generation has a lot to put in their 'repertoire of experience.’ 13. Poverty alleviation is a gigantic work, a collective form of many specific tasks; it is an ongoing process too; however, we must move forward with the objective in mind, which is true; there is no time to be slothful.