I think this is a bit hyperbolic, TBH. “100% completely worthless”? I think there are some places in the world this is true, unfortunately. The Netherlands? I doubt that. The vast majority of western democracies? I think this is dubious thinking.

Just because I point out this lapse in good government oversight does not mean I don’t think the Netherlands or other western democracies aren’t doing overall good, or that they aren’t a positive force. They are, and are certainly better than the alternative.

I’m as skeptical as the next guy, but saying something like this undermines the hard work most democracies do to keep corporations and the elite from completely taking over - they would if there were not gatekeepers in government.

Most democracies these days do not suffer from external foes, as much as they suffer from constant internal power plays that must be kept under control to remain viable.

Are there injustices in western democracies? Absolutely.

Are they the exception, rather than the rule? Yep.

Is that perfect? Hell no.

Is it a start? I think so.

Trending toward goodness is a win.

EDIT (adding this): we might be saying the same thing, but I feel like there is a distinction here, at least for me.