Corruption versus democracy: Ultimate reconciliation

That’s a fact everybody knows but hates to accept. The real taboo, however, has to do with the answer to the question, “Why?” 

Most people will never agree that “Good” can be very pretentious while “Evil” is straightforward. Even more people will never come to terms with the suggestion that Good is a mere version of Evil getting bored of itself and trying to be different for a change.

In his prolonged war with “Corruption”, “Democracy” has been resisting the former’s push for a pact. The Angel has not lost himself, but he has been losing ground. The “line” is constantly edging into his territory. Even good people do bad things, Democracy is being told by his enemy. Why not accept this so that everyone can move forward and leave the ruins of an abstract showdown behind?

The world is grey, Corruption says. If you don’t sign a treaty with me, somebody else will, and if that ever happens, don’t complain. Dictators love me to bits, and them with me will make everything go unchecked, unquestioned and unresisted. You don’t want that to happen, do you? If you embrace me, we will prosper together. You help rebrand me and I’ll give you plenty. Some oil, maybe.

The argument makes Democracy wonder. That’s what Asean has been saying about Burma, isn’t it? Isolate the junta and some of their nasty neighbours will be smiling. Constructive engagement should be the way to go and blah blah blah. “But why now?” a soul-searching Democracy wants to ask himself. He probably isn’t sure whose initiative it was. Is it a triumph of good virtues over an evil empire in Burma, or is someone being lured into a trap here?

Nobody’s trapping anybody, Corruption assures Democracy. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. It’s as simple as that. Recognising Burma is the right thing. Look at the countries where you are rigid and uncompromising. They are war wrecks, aren’t they?

So, drop your meek defence in Thailand, Corruption tells Democracy. Let’s get the amnesty thing over with and everyone will live happily ever after. It’s ridiculous to have a People’s Alliance for Democracy and a United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship going after each other, both claiming they do it for the good of mankind. Make me an integral, official part of yours, and there will be no more coups or pouring of blood in front of a prime minister’s house.

Better still, Corruption adds, an amnesty will be viewed by much of the world as “your” triumph over me. Best part is, I don’t care if you are to get all the credit. How cool of a deal is that? It will be hailed as something forged by 15 million votes. If the “majority” wants something, it has to be good, right? That’s your original commandment, to begin with.

“Don’t you see how inseparable we are already?” Corruption continues. Take a look at that move to annul all the legal consequences of the 2006 coup. Did it come from you or from me? Even the newspapers are giving different answers. Who can blame them? I don’t think anybody on this planet can say it one way or the other without being bombarded by critics.

You are fooling yourself that you exist “as you are”, Corruption says. Truth is, you exist as I am. Without me, you are just an “ideal”, which in my book means you are too good to be true. I’m the ultimate reality. For you to really be, we have to reconcile. You pretend less, I pretend more, and that’s a win-win. Our pact will give you some peace of mind. As for me, I’ll get some more freedom. I’m a sincere man, you know. I hate wearing a mask all the time, wherever I go.

I don’t want to be your Goddamned passport, Democracy replies, again with a high degree of self-doubt. He is wondering if he does have any choice now that things have come this far. It began simply enough, with him wanting to put Corruption in limbo. 

That turned into the need to “constructively engage” his enemy, who is now invading all his territories with extreme aggression. It doesn’t matter when the “line” was moved. 

What matters is that the line is now behind him, all of a sudden, and the world, heaven and hell will have to keep holding their breath.