I was walking through the park today, and the sight of
squirrels scurrying along freely through the forests, brush and grass awakened
me to a very uncomfortable truth. This
may seem like a pleasant scene on the surface, but looking deeper into the
situation makes an injustice in the human-squirrel relationship glaringly
obvious.
If a representative democracy is the most just, egalitarian
system among rational, self-aware humans, then we can certainly provide that
service to our bushy tailed brothers. If
we must delegate our collective responsibilities to politicians because they
have a higher degree of expertise and altruistic motivation, then why shouldn’t
we allow squirrels to do the same with humans?
The difference in reasoning ability is much higher in the relationship
between human and squirrel than citizen and public servant. If it
is possible to engineer utopia among squirrels, then it is morally
reprehensible to not do that. If the
virtue of democracy lies in self-sacrifice for the common good, then I cannot
imagine a nobler pursuit than establishing a civilized government for these
poor anarchic creatures. Besides, in
human politics laws usually benefit some individuals and groups more than
others. If we focus our political
efforts toward the welfare of squirrels, we can be sure that no individual
human directly benefits whatsoever.
It is clear that squirrels live in anarchy, due to the utter
absence of public services among squirrel populations. Tell me, have you ever seen a road for squirrels? Imagine the innovation and evolution such a
technology would inspire in these rodents.
It is entirely possible that they would adapt to their environment by
developing cute little squirrel cars. Facilitating
this advancement is the greatest thing that could happen to squirrel and
mankind alike.
We don’t even know how
much inequality exists among the squirrel species. Imagine how many greedy reptilian squirrels
are hoarding all the nuts and berries, leaving less fortunate proletariat
squirrels to starve in the smallest, dead trees. The absence of a central body regulating the
distribution of resources among squirrels means that the aforementioned situation
is a logical certainty. If humans do not
take the necessary steps to end this exploitation and suffering, then we as a
species certainly do not have any capacity for empathy.
Critics of establishing a government among squirrels point
out that the species does not have the cognitive skills of reasoning or
abstract thinking required to sustain a healthy representative democracy. This is true, but research towards genetic
modifications of squirrels can contribute to improving their cognitive
abilities. For now, brute force will be
needed to implement this virtuous system.
However, exponential increases in the cognitive capacities
of squirrels could lead to the species exceeding the mind power of humans. This may result in a squirrel revolution, and
subsequent takeover of human society.
I, for one, welcome our furry woodland overlords.
But, but, without government, who will provide mandatory health care to the elderly squirrels? Who will build the holes in the trees for them to live?
ReplyDeleteThis put a big grin on my face. Well done, Connor!
ReplyDelete