The republican elite does not trust its people. For this reason, they fail to internalize democracy. They reluctantly accepted the transition to democracy simply because it was the trend of that age. Equality between citizens is a basic condition in democracies, but they argue that they are first-class citizens entitled to some privileges. For this reason, they constantly argue that they hold the right to rule no matter who is elected by the popular vote. For this reason, they relied on the military. They have always provoked the military; the unions, business circles, media, universities and judiciary did everything in their power to provoke the military. They took to the streets to achieve their goals. Members of the judiciary were briefed in military facilities. Provocations were staged. They have always provoked the military -- they did so on May 27, 1960; March 12, 1971; Sept. 12, 1980; Feb. 28, 1997; and April 27, 2007.
The most blatant example of social engineering was observed in this country. For instance, a former minister now says: “The National Intelligence Organization [MİT] is responsible for the bomb thrown at Atatürk’s house in Thessalonica.”
They are now provoking the military regarding the Ergenekon case. They are doing this recklessly. They are just furious because they feel trapped, because in their previous attempts they were able to attract popular support. For instance, in one of the last of such moves, they were able to gather large crowds in antigovernment rallies. Is this now possible for Ergenekon?
And there is also the media -- these newspapers and TV stations shaping the country’s agenda, the machines of extrajudicial execution. You should have noticed by now that they produce useless headlines and reports. They are embarrassing themselves with these ridiculous attempts to belittle the entire process.
Why is the military their last resort? They want to rely on the military because they have finally realized that 80 percent of the people support the Ergenekon case. The people hold on to national sentiments such as the desire for democracy, the expansion of the sphere of liberties and maintenance of the rule of law; eagerness for conciliation with religion; and promotion of tolerance. They demand the abandonment of internal fights and conflicts. They want to see a Turkey that is a modern, progressive and strong country.
The republican elite, those who ignore the republic’s democratic and liberal aspects, are now afraid of the innocent and rational majority. That majority does not exclude them, and yet they feel they have been alienated; they feel themselves under siege.
They believe domination by the majority will replace the minority domination that they have perpetuated for so long. As they are alienated from their nation, they realize that it is impossible for them to maintain their power and rule the country by relying on democratic means. For this reason, they submit to the military. Those who believe that the people will not support them are left with no choice but the military. The fact that 80 percent of the people oppose them leads them to reliance on the military. This is a sign of their exhaustion. For this reason, they see that the Ergenekon case will be the end of everything for them.
Let Turkey purge itself and be relieved so that it turns to democracy and normalization and transitions to democratic laicism. In such an environment, the state will abandon its fight and clash with religion and get rid of the guardianship regime, relying on popular choice instead.
