The fact that the Athenian democracy is under trial is in no doubt. The nation is still a fresh wound from the loss in the Peloponnesian war that happened last year, which exposed the existence of traitors within the nation. Athens’ previous victories, such as those championed by the great Thrasybulus and Lycon, are proof that when united in the face of danger, we can trample over any external foe.
The problem Athens is facing is a unique one in that it is not only facing external forces but also grappling with the existence of internal threats that are resurfacing amongst Athenians. Traitors, such as Alcibiades, who jumped ship and joined the enemy camp, attest to the existence of the enemy within. The grave problem of spies and traitors must be taken seriously, and stern measures must be taken to ensure the integrity of the Athenian nation.
The newly resurfaced enemy masquerades itself as the ‘Solonian Aristocrats’ but in essence are the enemy is the same oligarchs that we are all familiar with, thanks to the deceit and betrayal they accorded Athens in the wars of 411 and last year, by joining forces with Sparta. The Solonian aristocrats undisputedly pose a great threat to the sustenance of Athens, the democracy it upholds, and one that is responsible for its previous prosperity.
I believe my voice echoes the sentiments of the electorate, who sacrificed a lot for the democracy of Athens when I say we must integrate metics and slaves in our society. These patriots have endured the bruises of war, some have lost property, and many have been betrayed by splinter factions masquerading as loyalists, who then go ahead and join forces with the enemy, and most importantly, have lost loved ones.
Throughout the war, their loyalty never wavered even for once and defended Athens to the death, never leaving Crisias’ side. Therefore, as a nation, it behooves us to recognize these unsung heroes by attending to their plight. We must clamor to afford them civil rights just like any other Athenian. I would like to propose the granting of citizenship to slaves, for they have exhibited their loyalty despite some of them not being Athenians and allow metics to vote. By affording these rights, they will feel their sacrifices were not in vain, and they are part of decision-making. A great democracy is one, which is inclusive of all citizens that fought for the establishment of democracy.
The oligarchs have consorted their efforts and have tried numerously in the past to block the awarding of citizenship to slaves and granting of voting rights to metics, but I would like to state that they do all these out of fear that the wave of true democracy will sweep them away and in a bid to preserve their kind. They are the greatest nemesis to the prosperity of Athens, we realize this, and now we want to annihilate them and render their influence obsolete by having expanded the size of our electorate that is pro-democracy.
The spoils of war are here with us, thanks to traitors like ‘Sololian Aristocrats,’ and everyone feels the devastating effects, including diminished trade, low agricultural output, and a dwindling economy. The aftermath of the war has shown us its ugly face, but no one sees it more than the lowly paid Athenians. The metics and slaves gave up everything during the clamor for democracy and must reap the fruits of their torturous labor.
I appeal to you to consider an increment in their earnings. The gap between the poor and the rich is wide, and this is not reflective of an equitable society, which is a democratic society. The poorest amongst us need a new lease of life for their service to this country. The war plunged them deep into debt and abject poverty, vices they contend with hitherto, and one that lessens their commitment to democracy. We need to inspire their will to live and zeal to uphold the form of democracy that many of them died trying to achieve.
Athens must continue to support the poor, afford them the basic needs, and own property. It is only then will they feel a fulfillment for the struggles they underwent. In this regard, I advocate for the payment of attendance fees to the citizenry, including the poor, similar to those paid to jurors back in the Periclean era, a move that will ensure they are inspired to attend assembly meetings since the money help them meet their basic needs. Our people must no longer dwell in squalor and bedlam and continue living on pittances of salaries, for it is these things that make them abandon democracy and reduce their interest in politics.
There are no dangerous people than a citizenry that is disillusioned. In addition, there is no greater force than that of a people bent to assert their essence. The grievances of the poor must be given an audience, and an amicable solution found before things get out of hand. The big picture question is, how can we alleviate poverty amongst our people? I am confident the answer lies in our budget and making slight adjustments to it can lead to the acquisition of funds, which can be earmarked for paying attendance fees.
We need to cut back on our expenses, but increase our revenue. The revenue I suggest should be increased by tax the provision, reinstate the euphoria, and raise taxes on trade and metics while cutting back on festivals and cults that consume the majority of our expenses. This proposition is, however, transient, and I know that long-term prosperity lies in an armed insurrection against the Spartans.
We must restore Athens to its lost glory, back to the state where it was the wealthiest polis, and all other states used to submit revenue to her. To achieve this, Athens must wage another way against Sparta and break its stranglehold on the states that previously pledged allegiance to Athens, revenue-wise. A victory against the Spartans will ensure the own poor property, the war offers employment, and eventually, the economic recession reversed. In the wake of the destructive nature of the war, another war against Sparta, which has obviously grown in military might, appears anti-thesis, but it is the only way to reverse the prevailing scenario.
The wealthiest must, therefore, brace themselves for increased taxation in support of the war, and though this will weaken them, the benefits will be much greater. We all prospered in the old Athens, and so it is in that nostalgia, I beseech you to sacrifice once again for her and reclaim her, a feat that we will only achieve when we are united and have eliminated sellouts amongst us. Athens must dethrone Thebes as a thriving polis by reinstating state payments to Athens, but only after defeating Sparta.
It is only after the complete restoration of Athens that the Athenians will be liberated economically. The poor will be employed and own property, and thus, reducing their over-reliance on state handouts. It is only a victory against Sparta that will ensure we enjoy the full fruits of democracy.