POSSIBLY IRRITATING ESSAY: Star Trek is STILL Stupid (er...Politically Apathetic)!

David Brin contends – and rightly so – that the Star Trek “populist” form of government is better than the Star Wars “despotic” form of government.

HOWEVER where Star Wars makes a (bad) point of promoting despotism, the humans of the United Federation of Planets act just like most Americans do about politics in this early part of the 21st Century: “don’t care, won’t bother”. My objection to Star Trek is that despite the fact that there have been huge technological advances (obviously), philosophical advances (“People are no longer obsessed with the accumulation of 'things'. We have eliminated hunger, want, the need for possessions." Picard, ST:NG, “The Neutral Zone”) , religious advances (humans have no apparent religion), economic advances (“You see, money doesn't exist in the 24th century..” Picard, ST:FIRST CONTACT)and military advances (again, obviously), there has apparently been no POLITICAL advancement.

The crew of any ENTERPRISE and the humans of DS9 NEVER talk politics. Everyone else in the Federation does. The Klingons are always going on about the High Council; the Cardassians discuss the latest coup d’etat; the Bajorans rave about the elections and factionism and how it was easier during the Occupation; and the Romulans and the Ferengi are always talking about ascensions to this or that. Nowhere does Picard ever say to Troi, even briefly:

“Who are you voting for this election?”

“Oh, Betazed’s boycotting the elections because the Vulcans are trying to mind-meld with all non-Vulcan/non-telepaths to try and throw the election.”

“That’s too bad. Is all of Betazed voting bloc, then?”

“As usual, no. But anyone who wants to vote for the Vulcan presidential candidate has to fly to Paris and cast their vote at the Federation Capitol Building.”

“What a bother! Though I must say that Paris in the Autumn is grand.”

“It is a bother, but better than the last time when that Ferengi tried to buy his Presidency!”

Chuckling, Picard nods, “As I recall, that was one of the most interesting and entertaining elections in recent history!” Troi laughs with him.

Data lifts a finger, “Perhaps if the Mother Horta ran for President of the Federation Council, she could smooth out some of the rocky relationships.”

Picard and Troi look at each other and burst out laughing. With his finger still in the air, Data goes back and sits at his console, muttering, “Humor – it is a difficult concept.”

There: in less than 30 seconds of banterfest, I was humorous and stated or implied the following:

1) The Federation holds democratic elections
2) Peaceful protest of procedure is acceptable
3) Interference with the election process is not acceptable no matter WHO you are
4) Freedom to vote as one pleases is a RIGHT
5) Federation capitol is in Paris, France (MEMORY ALPHA states that there is some question as to where it exists!)
6) Federation politics is independent of local politics and not subject to local interpretation
7) Politics is FUN – Picard likes it and the educated crew of the most powerful weapon in the Federation takes time to vote in democratic elections
8) The Federation is not a “humans only club”

While it’s too late to add dialogue to the 694 episodes (including the Original Series pilot) and the 10 movies (soon to be 11) of canon, the lack might be addressed with less than 30 seconds of dialogue in any future movie or show. Even if the only purpose is to shed an instant of positive light on the democratic process and advancement in politics in the Federation – then it’s worth the effort to make the statement.

So go ahead, whoever wants to steal my little script, feel free to do so – as long as it serves to preserve the populists and curb the despots!