Thread by @gauravsabnis

Our species will go extinct because we didn't understand or value the concept of a Republic (where public is above the rulers) as much as the concept of a Democracy (where elections choose rulers).

India is still a Democracy. I don't think it's a Republic anymore.

Being a functioning democracy does not ensure individual freedom or rights. Being a functioning republic at least aspires to.

A Republic says the public is the main thing and yes we have a government, but the government better not cross these these these these lines. You can't just arrest someone without explaining why. You can't just kill someone! Etc.

Does not sound like today's India.

USA was founded primarily as a Republic. The essence of its constitution is mostly about what the government can't do.

That USA is also a democracy is a fortunate happenstance. But when you wonder why we still have the electoral college, that's the answer.

Nothing in the US constitution ensures democracy. It's just our traditions. That's what Trump was hoping to exploit with his efforts to overturn the election. That technically, states could just ignore their voters and certify him the winner. As long as the courts approved.

Thankfully, contemporary US courts did not see things Trump's way. Not even judges or justices he appointed. So he's gone. But if a majority of Republican Party judges and senators had gone along with Trump, he could have easily stolen a second term.

India though currently has a pliant judiciary which hacks away at individual rights of the public and defers to the government on almost every occasion. Much like Iran, today's India is a country that chooses its chief executive democratically. But it isn't a Republic anymore.

Here's a way to illustrate the difference

Republic - #MunawarFaruqui should be released immediately

Democracy - BJP has two thirds majority so they can do whatever the fuck they want with Munawar