Now

(The conversation between the old man and the pioneer of democracy continued.)

The politician then asked, "Why didn't you use your vote to support democracy?"

The old man said, "Why on earth?"

The politician scoffed, "Democracy is so important! With it, you can really reflect your opinion and affect government policy."

The old man asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

The politician replied, "Oh, 15 to 20 years - maybe slightly longer."

"But, even if we achieve eventually this ultimate aim of real democracy, what then?" asked the old man.

The politician laughed and said, "That's the best part. Old people like you can ask for more social welfare - for example, free flu vaccine or even free dinner party!"

"What do you think I am having in my hand?"

*******************

Do you think this old man is short-sighted and does not appreciate something more important in the long run? I would not go that far. After all, democracy should not be the goal - it is a means leading to a better life.

As Hercule Poirot emphasized (in Murder on the Links): If you do not see this point, you could not see anything.

PS. Exactly for this very reason, if democracy leads to a foreseeable adverse outcome, I would not support democracy.