Intergalactic Summit

Two things limit the reasonable function of a Democracy: Education, and communications.

Education, because a pure Democracy requires its citizens to be knowledgeable on all areas they'll weigh in on. Should a particle physicist have a say in the legality of questionable, but possibly highly beneficial biotech research? Should a carpenter in the hinterlands of Matar be consulted on the correct level of appropriations for the Republic Security Services? The list goes on, endlessly. As our lives become more complicated, the chances of anyone being well-rounded enough in a single lifetime to reasonably be fit to make all of these decisions is laughable, at best.

Communications because decisions take time to implement. We've pretty much got that down with the current FTL comm systems, but it's always worth remembering that those who can't communicate their intentions and desires are being disenfranchised when it comes time to tally the votes.

And it doesn't work. So I guess that's three things.

Really, how many times have we seen democratic structures populated by the most capable humans New Eden has ever produced - and say what you will about our morals, most capsuleers possess a depth and breadth of skills that is, frankly, staggering - fragment and destroy themselves?

People work best in smaller groups. When we need to work in larger groups, they're best organized as those smaller groups, cooperating under the leadership of another small group. Keep going up the chain, and the model stays the same. That's why the successful groups are either openly led by a small group, or pay lip service to the masses while manipulating them into clamoring for exactly the things their leaders want the chance to do to them.

Why, little goon, I could almost be excused for thinking you were describing a system. A system of... clans, perhaps. Clans uniting in Tribes, as it were. A wild idea here, but these Tribes could then form something like a Council.

No, I suppose this is getting a little too silly.

... I am not entirely sure I will ever be able to forgive you for drawing comparisons between my Tribes and the goons.

... accurately.

Republic not democracy, not in Federation way at least.
Tribal councils also not democracy by same measure.

But all Matari have say, have for generations long before Gallente and Amarr, this function of Standing Place.
The wise Chief and council listen to voices in Standing Place before making decisions. Those must be made within framework of existing law, as it Republic, not Oligarchy.

A true, or 'pure' democracy, Scherezad, would give everyone in it a vote on all matters. Then you have a representative democracy, where the decisions are made by individuals chosen to represent the interests of the people, and accountable to them.

A 'Republic', strictly, is any form of governance that does not invest power in either an hereditary ruler, or a single all-powerful despot / dictator. It tends, in common usage, to refer to a representative democracy, especially where 'Republican' values are spoken of in the abstract.

Bear in mind any leader can only stay that way with the consent of the led. It doesn't matter how much power you have in theory. If you annoy or frighten those who you lead enough you will be removed.

This has generally been the case with clan & tribal leaders. Clan chiefs are chosen by what amounts to extended family so are trusted to look after the interests of the family. If they prove to be incompetent they don't last long.

All that is important about the process of selecting a leader is that it works to advance the best candidate for the job.

I do not support the Republic. As for thoughts on the Republic, I think it could be made Into a place worth supporting it however isn't there right now.

Clan, tribe, people. If you were to ask most Matari, this would likely be the answer. Already many have answered in such a way. Such thinking is common amongst the tribes, and serves us during our squabbles and internal politics. However we no longer live in a universe where all we know is our mother planet. The skies are populated by many peaples, entire civilisations that span hundreds of worlds. In front of such adversity, we cannot afford to let our tribal lines fracture us.

I Support the SanMatar. I Support the Tribal Council. I Support the Republic. Not becuase I am a Brutor; many non Matari do not even distinguish between the tribes. I do so becuase I AM Matari, just as any Sebiestor, Krusual, Thukker, Starkmanir,
Nefantar, or Vherokior is Matari. If I were to fly to war, it would not be to defend only my Tribe, but all. If I were to recieve foreign dignitaries, I would not just represent my tribe, but all. If all I could do to support the Republic were too mine rocks, or work fields, then I would do so not just to benifit my tribe, but all.

Zero support for the Republic here.

The Republic does not have the best interests of Matari in mind.

I think we're not meant to rule. I don't mean we all gotta be slaves. But I think our best strength is in guiding, not leading. Teach, not preach. Be a voice of people, not a political voice.

Perhaps your criminality had something to do with that?

In recompense, if you hand yourself in to a Republic Justice Department office, I can see to it that you are provided with warm food and board for several years. Possibly art classes.