Understanding Democracy

Democracy comes from the ancient Greek meaning that demos meaning people and kratos government. Etymologically, democracy is derived from the word implies that people's demos and cratos or cratein which means government or power. In terms of terminology and conceptual democracy has several meanings: government by the people, who carried out either directly or through elected representatives; a political or social unit that has the authority of government; the general public who are considered as the main source of political power; and majority rule; the principles of social equality and respect of individuals in the community.

Sahid Gatara (2009: 252-253) understanding of democracy from the aspect of democratic forms using three main standpoints, namely:

First, from the perspective of the point of press, democracy can be distinguished between:

1.      The formal democracy, a democracy that upholds equality in politics, without an attempt to eliminate gaps in the economic field. Thus, economic and political opportunities for all people are equal.

2.      Democracy material, namely democracy which emphasized efforts to eliminate differences in the economic field, whereas equality in politics less attention, or even eliminated.

3.      Democracy combined, namely democracy synthesis of formal democracy and democratic material. Democracy seeks to take the good things and throw away the bad things from formal democracy and democratic material.

Secondly, from the point of view of the distribution of the will of the people, democratic forms can be distinguished, among others:

1.      Direct democracy, where the people directly express their will in a meeting attended by all the people.

2.      Representative democracy or representative democracy, where the people channeling his will, to elect their representatives to sit in the House of Representatives.

3.      Representative democracy with referendum system, which is a combination of direct democracy with direct democracy. This means, the people elect their representatives to sit in the House of Representatives, but this board is controlled by the influence of the people by referendum and people's initiative system.

Third, from the point of view of the tasks and the relationship between equipment in the country, democracy can be distinguished in several forms, among others:

1.      democracy with a parliamentary system, which in this democracy there is a close relationship between the legislature with the executive branch, only legislative body elected by the people, while the executive body is usually often called a cabinet headed by a prime minister who formed a majority vote contained in the legislature or in Parliament.

2.      Democracy with a system of separation of powers, democracy in the sense that power is separated into legislative power, executive power and judicial power.

3.      Democracy by referendum system, which is a representative democracy with direct control of the people's representatives.

There are two kinds of referendum, ie, a referendum obligator and facultative referendum. In a referendum obligator, policies or legislation proposed by the government or that created by the legislature can be executed after approval by the people with the most votes. In facultative referendum, the law made by the House of Representatives recently requested the approval of the people, if within a certain period after the law was announced, a number of people ask for it.

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Classical Political Era

Politics begins at the time of the ancient Greeks more emphasis on the notion that the discussion focused on the country. The thinkers of this period was Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Socrates introduced the term theoria is defined as knowledge at that time. According to the state's duty is to educate citizens with the principle of giving happiness to every community and make their lives as good as possible. Plato had the concept of the ideal state which is the philosophical implications of the doctrine concerning this idea.hal illustrated through obsession and the purpose of life in developing countries are organized and educated people. Furthermore, Aristotle dubbed as the father of empiricism in politics. he explained that the classification of the state should be done on the basis of the collection of facts that exist in a country.

In addition to the ancient Greek era, the classical political thought occurred in the Roman civilization which is divided into two periods, namely the period of the republic and empire. Post Ancient Greece is often the discussion and study of world politics is Roman. At this time considered to be the heir of thought Ancient Greek era, but this era is not too contribute to the development of thinking and significant. However, there are differences in the implementation of the theory of state at this time, in the Ancient Greece more emphasis on the concept of a small country, but at this time a very broader scope. Because at this time the state initiated empire, namely government more dominant and extensive berteritorial once, regardless of the differences between people.

Additionally at this time more focused on legal issues and administration as a condition for strengthening territorial governance system is very extensive and Rome as its center. Therefore, we can understand it that this Roman period over which a state has to be an institutional perspective rather than Ancient Greece.

The history of western thought is divided into three periods, namely classical, middle and modern. Classical age stems from Ancient Greece until the 5th century, medieval from the 6th century to the 15th century and the modern era of the 15th century until the 19th century. Two political events namely the collapse of the Western Roman (476 AD) and the collapse of the Eastern Roman (1453 AD) is considered as a milestone in the separation between classical times to the Middle Ages and modern times.

Background classic appearance, began when the French Revolution which makes the transfer of power from the state authorities, the kingdom and the church. Royal party no longer dominates, but switched to the merchant (merchant). This is because the era of inter-state trade, where countries that managed to have a surplus of gold, considered a rich and prosperous country. Later in the merchant's development cooperation with the government (state) resulted in fraudulent practices and make more profitable merchants and rulers. This era is often referred to as mercantilism. A small number of people such as farmers, fishermen, miners were oppressed as a result of the system in favor of the merchant. This is what underlies the emergence of the doctrine of liberalism where each individual has the freedom to enter the market either as producers or consumers. Besides the limitation of the role of government and politics into the market as it would result in such an era of mercantilism in which only certain parties and that have close relations with the authorities who benefited.

Among other influential figures James Steuart who published his work entitled An Inquiry into the Principles of Political Economy (1767) and Adam Smith who authored An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776 Adam Smith's book is what underlies the emergence of teachings liberalism and the market economy. David Ricardo is one of the classic figures who also wrote The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1987).

This view sees the individual as a human being as a rational being, and will choose the best alternative for him. So it will try to get its business in order to maximize the fulfillment of personal interests.

Classical flow that develops is a classic liberal approach. See the market as a meeting place between producers and consumers. Each party to work for his personal interests but attempted to suppress the occurrence of conflict between them. So it will appear in the market price mechanism, where the invisible hand that regulates the process of supply and demand and will bring the market balance (equilibrium).

Understand classical view state should not interfere in the affairs of the market. State could be considered to disrupt the dominance of the market because often the government would only benefit certain parties only. Countries only play a role in protecting people when conflicts both internal and external conflicts. In addition, the country serves as a good service provider's infrastructure, as well as public facilities and infrastructure for the continuation of market mechanisms in the country.

The relationship between the state and strictly separated markets, although market senidir resides in the state system. Because the market is considered as a system that can regulate and run automatically with the invisible hand earlier.

The classical view has drawbacks in practice so difficult to separate the role of the state to politics. Then the market mechanism, invisible hand is a difficult thing because it is often not selamnya dijelaska buyers and sellers meet in a single market. Besides if there is a monopoly of the market, so when the government is forbidden to intervene in the market, the community also will be harmed.

Neoclassical

Berkembangan neoclassical manakalah they feel there is a flaw in the classical liberal thought and no operation of the market mechanism masrxis teachings. Classical liberal illustrates that the presence of invisible Handa then automatically be run in accordance with the market mechanism when the market can not be left entirely to the market mechanism. While their views on the socialist market controlled by the government are also not approved by the neoclassical view. So neoclassical seeks to unify, where the market may be free, but there are times when there is a defect or negative mechanism in the market then the market intervention is needed to restore the functioning of the market.

One of which Alfred Marshall characters with some major works, among others, The Pure Theory of Foreign Trade (1829), The Principles of Economy (1890), Industry and Trade (1919) and Money, Credit and Commerce (1923). Gossen and JB Clark is also one of the developers of neoclassical economics. Karl Menger's work is primarily Grusatze der Volks Wirtschaftslehre (1817). Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk with his work is an Interest Capital (1884) and the Positive Theory of Capital (1889). Friedrich August von Hayek also made the book's Monetary Theory of The Trade Cycle (1929), Profit, Interest, Investment (1939) and The Pure Theory of Capital (1941).

Together with classical neoclassical see the individual as a free man and trying to get their needs met to the fullest. The difference with the classic look lies in the perspective of market mechanisms. That in the market when individuals are free to become producers and consumers will bring their monopoly of both collective and individual goods, it is what is called market failure. So the role of government is needed to prevent the occurrence of monopolistic practices in the market as well as the action of government bureaucrats in power function. With government intervention is expected to fix a problem that can not be solved in the market mechanism.

The forms of market failure:

Monopolistic, but when the seller many types of goods in circulation almost the same and similar. So that when the product is not there, it can be replaced with another product. This led producers can not menentapkan prices at will because of the many manufacturers that also offer competitive prices. Examples: soap, laundry soap, toothpaste, cosmetics and beauty products, clothing.

Oligopoly occurs when the number of producers slightly. Outstanding goods generally have some other differences but differentiated so that producers could also have the power to control prices. Examples such as cement, fertilizer, personal vehicle. Monopoly is unfair competition because there is only one manufacturer in the market. So the price can be determined in accordance with the wishes of the manufacturer. Examples such as petroleum, electricity, telephone. 

The relationship between the state and the market that the country is a party that can solve market failures such as the failure of the market mechanism preformance. However, the government's role was limited to resolve such market failures and remain prohibited intervene when market mechanisms taking place without any problems.

In development is often described as neoclassical economic development where economic-mathematical social sciences-humanities must release the identity humanisnya and calculate trade-offs in formulas and mathematical. Government intervention only in the correct market failures lead to public welfare is not a priority in the development of economics. Economics is defined the same as the individualist concept of making each individual will pursue profits alone. So neoclassical criticized due distanced justice and welfare.

Keynesian

Keynesian idea is similar to the Neoclassical where perkembngannya arising kegaglan of Liberal concept in the market mechanism. When the Great Depression (Great Depression) where the collapse of stock prices on Wall Street that makes convulsions of the world economy. Keynes saw that liberalism was not always able to cope with the market mechanism. The absence of regulations made by the government memgakibatkan market exploitation by certain parties. So the role of government is needed in emnagatasi market failure.

Figure book The General Theory Keynes (1936), Hayek Treatise on Money (one of the figures who also developed the Neoliberal). Keynesians see the individual as a whole society whose existence needs to be protected by the state.

Keynesians see in the market mechanism, that liberalism makes manufacturers will continue to create and produce the goods on an ongoing basis. This resulted in an increase in offers that are not accompanied by an increase in purchasing power in the purchase of goods. This is what led to the failure of the market, and market instability.

State role in maintaining the stability of the market mechanism. That is ketidaka market instability and the failure of the role of government is necessary to restore the market conditions. However, when the market mechanism was normal and stable, the government prohibited from intervening. Governments need to ensure the welfare of its people, so that when the economic shocks that threaten the prosperity of its people, the government needs to do the regulation. If there is a recession due to lower aggregate demand, the functions of the state to prevent and correct them. Interventions that could dilakukanuntuk conduct economic stabilization is to strengthen the financial sector, the stabilization of prices and take advantage of the government's fiscal policies.

Keynes which saw an increase in productivity accompanied by a rise in the demand for labor is one of the things that are generally rare because when production increases, generally the manufacturer will seek to improve the efficiency of the workforce so that the gains can be maximized. Can also contribute to improving the use of high-tech business production without the need for an increase in the workforce to be more efficient.

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THEORIES POLITIC

Socrates (in Ramlan Surbakti, 2007: 25) defines democracy as a regime led by the people who rely solely on the desire of freedom or unnecessary (unnecessary desire). Socrates in this case has been considered that the concept of democracy is the rule that contains the policy on the basis of freedom and desire that is not important.

Plato (in F. Isjwara, SH, 1992: 185) classifies about the form of government are as follows: the best form of government is a monarchy and form slump (degenerate form) of the monarchy is tyranny. Monarchy is the ideal shape and tyranny is a form of decline, with the form of declining aristocracy and oligarchy and democracy in the form of declining then mobokrasi.

Aristotle classify forms of government in the three forms of government are good and three bad forms of government. Three forms of government or a good constitution is a monarchy, aristocracy and polity. In addition, there are three forms of bad government which is the deterioration forms of the good government, namely tyranny degenerate form of monarchy; oligarchs degenerate form of aristocracy and democracy as a form slump of polity, Aristotle (in F. Isjwara, SH, 1992: 187).

Sovereign people, to carry out the deliberations or voting strongly considering regional conditions and the condition of the people themselves. On the basis of these considerations, the implementation of the deliberations can be divided into two ways: first, directly, or all the people who had assembled; second, by not directly or through representatives.

Folk consisting of various backgrounds and interests of thought, in making a needed public policy procedures and mechanisms in accordance with the culture of the people who will take the decision. Principle in making public policy in general can be distinguished as follows: first, the principle of consensus; second, the principle of majority voting; Third, the principle of using both these principles by promoting one of the principles that exist between these two principles.

Henry B. Mayo (in Miriam Budiardjo, 2008: 117) explains that the democratic political system is to show the general policy is determined on the basis of a majority vote by the representatives of the people are supervised by the people in periodic elections based on the principle of political equality and implemented in ensuring an atmosphere of political freedom. The concept of democracy is a political system in which sovereignty is in the hands of the people and carried out entirely by representatives of the people.

Substantially, democracy means rule of the people, power and authority in the hands of all the people, not in the hands of God with his deputy, nor in the hands of a person, nor in the hands of a group of people. In this case every public policy must come from the voice of the people.

Therefore, in a democratic system, people got an important position because the people hold sovereignty. Abraham Lincoln give a sense of democratic government of the people by the people and for the people "government of the people, by the people, and for the people". Every country that adopts democracy will give great freedom and power to the people (Sahid Gatara, 2009: 251).

Jean Jacques Rousseau (in Ramlan Surbakti, 1992: 29) explains that no one is allowed to represent a person in making legislation that is fundamental. Folk can delegate the implementation of regulations concerning to state officials, but people can not delegate the authority to make the rules as if they delegate The real they become slaves.

Gaffar (2005: 3) explains that In political science, there are two kinds of understanding of democracy, namely understanding normatively and empirically understanding (procedural democracy). In a normative understanding that democracy is something that is going to be done or Idil organized by a state. The normative phrase usually translated in the constitution of each country. But things are not necessarily normative can be seen in the context of day-to-day political life of a country. Therefore, it is necessary to see how the meaning of democracy empirically, namely democracy in perwujutannya in practical political life.

The understanding of democracy in the context of this kind allows us to observe whether in a political system of government provides sufficient space for the citizens of the community to perform in order to focus praferensi political participation through the existing political organizations? Thus the meaning and practice of democracy can be different from each other.

            J. Schmandt (2005: 226) explain the meaning of democracy by providing an assessment of the St. Thomas who put political authority in society as a whole and see the authorities as representatives of the people to exercise the power of the people is real. No power in the hands of the people and carried out entirely by representatives of the people who were in the House of Representatives, in the hands of the people's sovereignty and oversight by the people directly. In carrying out its functions as a watchdog of government, the people form a community of social institutions.

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ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)

ISIS crimes of terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq as well as the International Coalition air strikes Anti-ISIS has graced sheet media world in a few months terakhir.Sejumlah Western and Arab countries under the leadership of the United States issued a boast to destroy militant ISIS. In the midst of the coalition air campaign, ISIS continued his assault on some areas in Syria and Iraq. They even began to equip themselves with sophisticated weapons and modern as well as semi-heavy.

Here arises the question, whether the International Coalition of Anti-ISIS led the US really wants to destroy ISIS? Why was the newly formed coalition now? ApakahISIS already very large sehingga40 called to destroy their country? Why Washington officials have always stressed that the crackdown ISIS takes a long time ? Are we to believe that the coalition really want to destroy ISIS? Whether terrorist groups are always on the move can be destroyed through the air campaign? Why is the group that carries ISIS Islamic slogans are not regarded harmful to the Zionist regime?

The event this glow will answer these questions and other issues surrounding the history of the emergence of terrorist ISIS, brutal and evil actions of the group, the response of Western countries, especially the US against ISIS adventures in recent years, as well as the motivation and the purpose of establishing the International Coalition of Anti- ISIS.

Although the Middle East region tantantan face of terrorism for many years. However, the phenomenon of ISIS and their crimes in recent months has become one of the major challenges of the crisis and the region. Now almost no country in the Middle East that is free from the threat of ISIS. In fact, the trail and the role of some regional and international countries in shaping and directing the activities of terrorist groups can easily be traced.

ISIS group is one of the most violent fronts at once the most subservient to his employer, who had ever seen until now. ISIS committed crimes usually occur in wars aimed at an ethnic or genosida.Namun burned, the world did not witness the act so cruel and that too in the name of Islam, a religion that symbolizes affection and gentle attitude even against non- Muslim.

History records that the noble character and compassion of the Prophet played a major role in spreading Islam. Basically, the Prophet Muhammad is the symbol and the perfect example of an individual believer. The truth of Islam and the message of the Prophet Muhammad apostolate can be proved by seeing this noble figure. In that way, in a short time and that too with the least bloodshed, most areas of the Arabian Peninsula gracefully accepted Islam.

Then, if the religion of the Prophet Islamdengan a loving followers can have dumb and savage like ISIS, where the practice of beheading the man has become routine and entertainment for them. They are people who do not have the aroma kemanusiaan.Sayangnya, most of the followers of the great prophets make personal interpretation of religious teachings as a substitute for divine teachings after the death of the prophet. They set up a pole that is bent in the religious history of the sky.

The teachings of Moses, Jesus, and some prophets laindirubah and distorted by a group of ordinary people and devotees lust. If the deviation that does not undermine the religion of God, of course, mankind would have a different fate. Islamic religion after the death of the Prophet was also plagued by irregularities and personal interpretations and golongan.Pada the caliphate of Imam Ali, there are three groups in the Muslim community declared war with him. One of the groups are Khawarij. They did a unilateral interpretation of the Koran and the teachings of the Prophet. Misinterpretation made Khawarij declared war with Imam Ali.

Khawarij who appeared at the time of Imam Ali may be regarded as the tip of the base of modern Takfiris movement. The second root Khawarij and Takfiris sourced from shallow understanding and attitude to their extreme in interpreting religious teachings. Muslims are not in line with their thinking will be considered infidels and must be killed. Tribal fanaticism in the middle of the Khawarij and Takfiris also encourage the birth of confrontational behavior toward other nations and even to the people close to them.

It can be said that the exemplary behavior of the Khawarij and Takfiris denounced by all schools Islam.Ekstrimisme and fanaticism in the modern era also have a similar impact as Khawarij behavior at the beginning of the Islamic era, namely, to weaken the power of the Muslims.

ISIS is a Takfiris-Salafi movement, in which their ideology rooted in the thinking of Ibn Taymiyyah and Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab. The group is supported by several regional countries in the Middle East and the West. They are a group of countries that are now launched its air campaign against terrorists in the region ISIS. The role of Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries and the West will look so obvious when we trace the history of the formation of ISIS. ISIS is an armed group that adopts extreme thoughts Takfiris. They are in the ranks of the Salafi-Jihadi groups and is seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

ISIS appeared on October 15, 2006 after meeting on the Iraqi armed sejumlahkelompok. During the meeting, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi was appointed as the leader of ISIS. ISIS embryo formation back in upheaval after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. The US attack has created the right atmosphere for the formation and activities of most of the armed groups in Iraq such, Takfiris-Jihadi groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and the elements Party Baath, which opposes the new conditions in Iraq.

The group is aggressively raising funds and members to fight against US and Iraqi forces. One of the main fronts in their ranks is the Jamaat al-Tawhid wal-Jihadyang born in 2004 and is led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He has pledged to frontman Al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden and set up an organization Tanzim Qaidat al-Jihad fi Bilad al-Rafidayn (Al Qaeda in wilayahRafidain). The groups staged massive terrorism and uncharitable like, bombings in markets and crowded places in Iraq, the destruction of mosques and the Tomb of Imam Hadi and Imam Askari axles.

Zarqawi's group is very aggressive in launching its action so as to make them become one of the most powerful terrorist organization in Iraq. They also succeeded in spreading its influence in regional countries. Pada2006, Zarqawi established the Shura Mujahideen, led by Abu Abdullah al-Rashid al-Baghdadi. After the death of Zarqawi at the hands of US forces, Abu Hamza al-Muhajir was appointed to replace him and at the end of 2006, ISIS group led by Abu Omar al-Baghdadi was formed.

One of the main ISIS mission in Iraq is to form a coalition that fat and embrace the forces opposing the Baghdad government. Opponents of the government composed of elements of the Baath Party and Saddam Hussein's cronies and some tribal militia. After raising a great power, ISIS launch terror actions and trying to create sectarian conflict and civil war in Iraq. With the increasing public discontent, the government of Baghdad on akhirnyamembentuk tribal forces to reduce the influence of terrorists.

Death of Abu Omar al-Baghdadi in 2010 has been lowered significantly ISIS strength. However, the appointment of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the leader of ISIS has created a new wave of terrorism in the State's Story of 1001 Nights.

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HUMAN RIGHTS

RATIONALE OF HUMAN RIGHTS

From birth, humans already have rights that must be upheld and recognized everyone. This right is more important than the right of a ruler or king. Rights derived from the Almighty God, given to mankind. However, human rights are often violated human rights to maintain privacy. Sebanarnya what is human rights (HAM) it? Well, on this occasion we will discuss thoroughly the notion of Human Rights (HAM). Hope it is useful.

Human Rights (HAM) protruding from the man's own conviction that all human beings as creatures of God are the same and equal. Human beings are born free and have the dignity and the same rights. Based on that human beings should be treated equally fair and civilized. Human rights are universal, meaning that applies to all human beings without mebeda-distinguished based on race, religion, ethnicity and race (ethnicity).

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