Observers of representative democracy have long been suspicious of the cost in operating it. Without a critical analysis of this cost, we would not be certain whether what representative democracy provides really outweighs what it costs. It is a political calculus that matters significantly. This article focuses mainly on two political costs of democracy, i.e., cost of electoral competition and cost of the politics of vulgarization. This author believes that only in examining critically the follies of the modern democratic process can we truly find out what we should do to make reforms possible. In short, the hope to reform depends upon citizens' willingness to undertake the responsibilities of self-awareness and self-reflection.