I've noticed an interesting discussion trend lately - something I've never encountered before; I'm seeing a lot of people (mostly Trump supporters) saying things like: "He is the President, so just deal with it. Instead of criticizing, we should be supporting the leader of our country." Any truly democratically-minded person can see why this statement is utter fucking nonsense.
I can't believe I even have to point this out, but democracy doesn't end as soon as we've voted. A citizen's participation in democracy doesn't end with casting their ballot, and believing it does makes one a lazy citizen. It is up to each and every one of us to hold our leaders accountable, always. Some people aren't interested in actively participating in democracy, in making sure their community, their country is being appropriately governed... and that's fine, I guess. I personally think it's every citizen's job to stay engaged, and that the world would be a much better place if everyone used their damn voice to talk about what matters to them and inspire change instead of passively standing by while other people make decisions for them that they may or may not agree with, but I understand that some people just don't give a shit, and that's their prerogative. (That isn't what this post is meant to address, so I won't go on about how lucky we are to have been randomly born into a democracy and that we should each honour this privilege by actively participating in that democracybutoopsIjustdid.)
In any case, you can't tell me you're a politically interested person (regardless of your views or where you fall on the political spectrum) while clinging to a laissez-faire attitude about the people in charge. I fucking love me some Trudeau 2.0, and I think he's doing a bang-up job overall, (and I don't even vote Liberal) but I'm not thrilled with some of the things he is doing, and I have no qualms about adding my voice to the chorus of people who speak up against those things.
You can support a leader and criticize them at the same time. Politics are complex, human beings are complex, and failure to acknowledge this shows a complete lack of critical thinking or interest in a deeper understanding of political engagement. It is not unpatriotic to speak out about what you believe is best for you and your country. In fact, it is extremely patriotic to do so, because it shows you actually give a shit about your country and its people.
Of course, many of these Trump supporters spewing this ridiculously undemocratic bullshit are the same people who pissed on Barack Obama throughout his entire tenure as President, which doesn't lend much credence to their stance, either. It's just another way simple people try to shut down any kind of meaningful dialogue - especially if that dialogue is critical of their beloved leader - and continue their narrative of convenient ignorance. It also shows a laughable lack of understanding of what constitutes democracy, which I find hilarious coming from people who cling so tightly to their American patriotism.
All this to say: the idea that once our ballots are cast and a leader has been elected we should all just sit down, shut up and "let them do their job," is complete and utter bullshit, regardless of a person's political leanings. A leader's job is to remain accountable to us. And it is our job to demand that accountability.
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