What Kind Of An Understanding Is This?

BY ZEKERIYA TEMIZEL
CUMHURIYET- Turkey was supposed to head off possible chaos by exercising its constitutional institutions for perhaps the first time, without any problem and without damaging its democracy. Constitutional institutions and the nation were fulfilling the requirements of their responsibilities and duties in accordance with the law. Supposedly, chaos would be avoided, if this was done. However, things turned out differently. Political demagogues tried to turn every event into an opportunity and used illogic to attack institutions which sought to fulfill their duties. They branded the Constitutional Court ruling `a bullet aimed at the heart of democracy.' But the person who said this started by stating that he respected the Court's ruling. Can one respect a decision which is blasted as a bullet aimed at democracy? If the decision is respected, then can one make such a remark? What inconsistency! The Constitutional Court didn't damage democracy with its decision, but fulfilled an important function for social peace by clarifying the constitution's provision for a `culture of consensus' in electing the president.

When the General Staff issued a warning about `reaction and secularism' and said it would fulfill its duties under the law, it was criticized from a different angle. It was implied that the institution which was given the duty of protecting and maintaining the republic and its principles was `dependent' and `under command' and thus this institution under command can't do anything without getting such a command. I would like to remind the apostles of democracy of this issue. In democracies, no institution or public official is at the command of the people, but at the command of the law. In addition, in democratic states governed by the rule of law, it would be out of the question to neglect the duties laid out in the law. As long as they are in line with the law, commands are obeyed and illegal orders disobeyed. Moreover, fulfilling one's duties under the law cannot be prevented unless these laws are abolished. Regimes where people are above the law aren't called democratic republics, but fascism.

Nonetheless, probably we can overcome the whirlwind in which the secular republic was put through democracy. The nation will find the solution and political parties will shape the people's preference. The demand for unity was echoed by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). CHP leader Deniz Baykal told the Democratic Left Party (DSP) that the identity of later Premier Bulent Ecevit in the DSP is the common identity of leftists, which includes no treasonous felony, theft, corruption or betrayal. He added that people who vote for the DSP are the most honest and virtuous people in the country and he would like to unite with them. This open call has to be responded to. It can't be rejected by reading the lines differently and it can't fall victim to bargaining. If it is desired, there are solutions to reach a positive result.