AUGUST 12 ― In theory, democracy is a splendid system, a luminary of ideals promising equality and justice for all. The will of the people! Power to the masses!

If only the practice lived up to this formidable promise.

Take, for instance, the simplistic premise that democracy is about the individual or party that amasses the most votes.

The idea brings to mind a bustling marketplace where candidates are nothing more than slick vendors peddling their political fruits.

The one with the most enchanting, or, dare we say, the most vociferously advertised inventory wins the day. A screamingly loud spectacle of noise drowning out logic ― doesn't this sound familiar?

Nowhere is the theatrical absurdity of this narrative better exemplified than in elections.

Invoke Socrates, and we arrive at the infamous parable of the ice cream seller and the doctor. When put in front of the masses, who, pray tell, would earn more hands raised high ― the one promising sweet ice cream or the physician diagnosing a necessary, albeit bitter, treatment?

The joy inducing ice cream vendor wins, of course, in this democratic carnival. But ah, the bitter hangover of cavities, hypertension and diabetes await a populace led by a sugarcoating charlatan.

Here we see democracy’s dark underbelly exposed. Yes, it seems that those with the most votes aren't necessarily the "best” ― rather critics might suggest they are merely more adept at marketing, at promising voters the metaphorical equivalent of ice cream.

Ironically, the ill-sweet of obesity looms large while the doctor watches in despair.

It's a veritable war of salesmanship, where tools of logic, prudence and long-term thinking are pitifully ineffective against the powerful drug of empty rhetoric and instant gratification.

And are we not already witnessing the results of such insipid showmanship as we look upon the political leaders of today?

Applaud as they offer the delights of "no carbon-monoxide-filled ice cream” or "gluten-and-tax-free sorbets.” Gorge on their sugary promises, not pondering the dental calamity that awaits.

As defined by a cynical few, "democracy” is becoming a dilapidated ruin, a faded fresco of its intended image, an irony so rich it would give anyone a toothache.

Let us pause to chew on the quote that we frustratingly deserve the leaders we choose.

In its biting irony, it leaves us chuckling and guffawing into our hankies. Yes, my readers, it seems we’ve been rapidly swapping out our vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins for a diet of cotton candy.

Except, unlike children returned from the fair, we don't just risk a night of tummy ache ― we risk derailing our nation.

So ask yourselves, are you choosing the candidates armed with antibiotics or the ones temptingly waving sugar-filled cones? Democracy, my readers, is never meant to be a sweet shop.

Best of luck deciphering the political charade as you head out to vote, if you can muster the will, today.

* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.