John L. Hodge

How We Are Our Enemy--and How to Stop: Our Unfinished Task of Fulfilling the Values of Democracy John L. Hodge

The concept of human equality is the core value underlying democracy. In practice, however, this concept of equality has been inadequately realized. The reason for this failure is the persisting presence of an anti-democratic mentality that stems from the vast anti-democratic history of humankind, based on ancient ideas that have not been dispelled. The conflict between equality and this anti-democratic mentality is evident in today?s politics.

This book is about the values of democracy--what they are; their ethical foundation; and their personal, social and political implications. It describes how we have failed to adequately support democratic values and presents what we must do to implement them. It contrasts democratic values with an age-old but widespread anti-democratic mentality that cares little for universal health care or the welfare of all, that opposes gay rights and abortion rights, that former president George W. Bush relied on to get public support for the invasion of Iraq, and that fuels the current conservative movement to make America subordinate to religious fundamentalism and corporate power. Democratic values must increasingly replace this anti-democratic mentality if democracy is to prevail and grow. The book explains that, unlike this anti-democratic mentality, democratic values are derived from the "golden rule" when it is properly understood and applied on a societal level. The purpose of this book is to support and give further guidance to our efforts to build a better and more democratic society and to prevent the ultimate downfall of democracy.