No Kings No Mobs and the Tyranny of Majority Rule
Not that the “No Kings!” protesters
Were anywhere near a majority of Americans
But thankfully America is a Constitutional Republic,
Not a democracy or monarchy
For the exact reason
That the tyranny of a king
Is not much different
(Although usually a LOT better)
Than the tyranny of a mob.
Kings at least want to remain in power
So have it in their best interest
To care about their subjects.
Mobs on the other hand
By definition are mostly anonymous and
Are ruled by their emotion,
Chiefly the emotions of fear, anger and empathy.
Empathy the most dangerous of the bunch,
Because by making us feel another’s pain
It can be twisted to make us emboldened to act
With violence to protect the harmed,
At least harmed in our eyes,
Be it as part of a lynch mob,
Disgruntled soccer fans or enraged
And vengeful patriotic nation.
The bottom line is mobs are no better
And often worse than kings.
The alternative of course
Is the rule of law and duly elected governments
Which fortunately we still have.
But maybe I’ve missed the point
Of the moment completely,
And what the protesting mob really wanted,
And were gnashing their teeth about,
Was just wishing they had their queen,
You know the one last year’s November 5th
“No Queens” protest showed the door.
And what’s the opposite of a king, queen or mob?
A family, neighborhood, village, town, city, state
And nation,
All of that made up of people,
Simply other people
We’d really like to be able to support and rely upon.
(10/21/25)
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