Canada and Russia.

There are two major events happening in the world right now that has caught the attention of the masses. In both circumstances people are calling the leaders of these countries authoritarian. Let’s analyze what’s going on for a moment.

In Canada Justin Trudeau ordered the removal of the “Freedom Convoy” of thousands of truckers and protesters that have gathered in Ottawa. Many are criticizing this action by Trudeau, and some are even comparing his actions to Soviet era Russia. The convoy has been peaceful, but they are blocking traffic. Blocking traffic is against the law as it disturbs the peace of others in the country. This isn’t to say that the protest isn’t valid or shouldn’t be respected but when the protest breaks the law it becomes the governing bodies responsibility to enforce the law. The rule of law and enforcement of law are key elements for a successful democracy. Calling Trudeau an authoritarian for this action is incorrect. In Canada the people can organize, run for office, and remove Trudeau from power, and this would not be possible if Canada and Trudeau were truly authoritarian.  The process may not work as fast as the people want but it does not mean the process doesn’t exist.

Meanwhile on the other side of the world, Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin are preparing to march into Ukraine and seize power.  The same Americans calling Trudeau an authoritarian for removing protesters from the streets are excusing Russia’s behavior as a nothing burger. Russia is trying to take something it does not own. This shouldn’t surprise the world coming from a country built on Marxist philosophy. When private property is not valued and protected by the state, the state believes it can take what it wants. Putin is breaking the rule law and the people of Russia can’t do anything about it because in 2018 he signed into law constitutional amendments allowing him to run for two more terms as president. Putin is 71, the amendments essentially secure him as the dictator of the country. There is no lawful democratic process for the people of Russia to remove him if his actions as leader are not representative of the peoples wants. This is what an Authoritarian look like.

Let’s recap. In Canada, Trudeau is enforcing the rule of law and if the people of his country do not like the laws they can organize and lawfully remove him from power. In Russia, Putin is breaking the rule of law and the people have no recourse to stop his actions.

Democracy exists when the rule of law is upheld and respected. And democracy give the people the ability to change those laws if they see fit, but democracy does not bend to your will. Democracy takes discipline, patience, and love. Democracy is for adults.

Authoritarians exist when the rule of law is disrespected and is applied unevenly to the people. Authoritarians bend the will of the people. Authoritarians are bad adults manipulating children and strong-arming good adults.