The United States of America prides itself as a model nation when it comes to advocating for and promoting human rights and civil liberties. These two aspects, which are entrenched in the Constitution, are considered the building blocks of a democratic society. The US has been at the forefront of encouraging nations that appear to be authoritarian to respect human rights and dignity. More often than not, the US has gone into the lengths of engaging in military actions in polarized nations to sensitize the importance of democracy. While the US appears to be the center of democracy, its democratic stance has been put to the test, especially when the world is battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization has emphasized the centrality of social distance as the most effective way of containing the spread. These guidelines mean that countries around the world have to restrict citizens' movement, which sometimes calls for military action to enforce the guidelines. These restrictions have many citizens including Americans question whether there is a democratic or totalitarian government.
Focus on an Article Discussing Restrictions on Freedoms
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal that no longer values human freedoms and civil liberties. The US has more cases and subsequent deaths than any other country, which has forced federal and state governments to enforce social distancing, including lockdowns and curfews. Mark Smith's article titled "Will COVID-19 fear drive America to totalitarianism? is indicative of a grim future for democracy. Smith 2020 establishes that Americans have always "been tough-minded, rugged individualists" who have even faced up and totalitarianism. However, this seems to be mirage st with the current leadership demonstrating fear in the face of the pandemic pushing them to denounce American freedoms and liberties. The author goes on to establish that freedom has been the motivating factor for Americans who have fought greater battles in the past and emerged victorious. The recent administration seems to go against the words in Ronald Reagan's speech that there is neither left nor left-wing. Instead, there is individual freedom that should be consistent with law and order. Leaders who refuse to promote individual freedom no matter their humanitarian motives and sincerity are headed to totalitarianism. Smith (2020) feels that the government is going to totalitarianism by providing excessive oversight on its citizens as opposed to allowing them a chance to make wise decisions. If the situation continues, the US citizens will be limited, and the government will take over their freedoms and liberties. To this end, Smith feels that the US economy needs to be reopened and promote civil rights and liberties in the process.
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Why the Issue is Important to the Global Community
The issue of democracy is of utmost importance to the global community that is keen on enhancing democracy by promoting human rights and civil liberties. Although the world is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, countries do not have to lose the gains of democracy. Countries need to come up with a solution that helps to contain the spread of the pandemic while protecting civil liberties and freedoms. The reason for insisting on promoting democracy is that it paves the way for social, economic, political, and technological development. Cobbs (2019) notes that democracy is beneficial philosophy that helps build up and maintain social capital, creating an effective connection. Democracy is considered as the framework onto which citizens form interests group that contributes to higher life expectancies, educational levels, and environmental conservation. Looking at these positive benefits of democracy, one can establish a need to protect citizens from anything that would interfere with democratic rights. While it is true that social distancing is the way to deal with the pandemic, leaders must be keen not to impose unnecessary restrictions. Instead, state, local, and federal governments should trust that their citizens would be able to adhere to guidelines.
Outside Influences that May Help Change the Issue
The US is considered a model nation, particularly when it comes to promoting democracy, meaning that it is highly likely that no outside force would change the issue. The only hope for the Americans is if the international community can step in and pressure the administration to loosen the restrictions. The said help could come in the form of public outcry, especially on social media platforms, most notably Twitter. Other than that, the World Health Organization, which provided the guidelines in the first, was to advise nations to allow their populations to go back to normalcy. In the same way, the US could benefit from advisories from the nations that have dealt with the virus successfully, such as China, France, and Italy. If this is not the case, the US will wait until the administration feels that it is safe to venture out and in turn promote their civil rights and liberties once more.
Assessing the Article for Neutrality
The article by Smith appears neutral, considering that it is focusing on a trending issue, the COVID-19 is forcing democracies to reconsider their constitutional rights. In a bid to contain the pandemic, the WHO provided social distancing guidelines limiting citizens’ rights of association and movement. The article becomes more neutral in that it cites historical facts that have demonstrated that Americans are very resilient in the face of challenges. COVID-19 is no different and should not be the reason for instituting totalitarian advisories. In turn, the administration should support democracy at all times by allowing Americans the freedom to make the right choices. Curtailing citizens’ freedom in such a time instills fear, and it would water down all the efforts that have been put in advocating and promoting democracy across the world.
References
Cobb, W. N. W. (2019). Political science today . Sage Publications Inc.
Smith, M. (2020, May 11). Will COVID-19 fear drive America to totalitarianism? The Washington Times. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/11/will-covid-19-fear-drive-america-to-totalitarianis/
