Political Theory

Re: Here is what is wrong with the USA:

Kakugo — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:04:37 GMT

In the Greek world, with the obvious exception of Attica, demokratia had a negative meaning, something slightly less stronger than "mob rule". Even in Athens itself members of the so-called Oligarchic Party (a much later invention) gave it a negative meaning: Aristophanes, the celebrated commediograph, clearly belonged to this "party" and his writings speak clearly against the democratic rule: particulary the "people" are seen as a blind, seething mob, easily tricked, easily led astray even by less-than skilled characters like the infamous Cleon.

Guess nothing has changed in over twenty-three centuries.

Re: Here is what is wrong with the USA:

Matthew Graybosch — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:44:52 GMT

Ennio45:
"Democracy is NOT FREEDOM!!!!"
Amen.

Damned right. Democracy is just a Greek-derived euphemism for mob rule.

Re: Here is what is wrong with the USA:

Ennio45 — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:45:40 GMT

"Democracy is NOT FREEDOM!!!!"

Amen.

Re: Here is what is wrong with the USA:

macsnafu — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 04:34:43 GMT

billott1:
Eventually this transition ought to lead to free and fair elections.

I wonder when Bush will get around to pursuing "free and fair elections" in the U.S.?

I agree that democracy is not freedom, but we don't even have that around here, just the semblance of it.

Here is what is wrong with the USA:

Bogart — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:24:16 GMT

From Bush 2 on the retirement of Castro:

"I believe that the change from Fidel Castro ought to begin a period of a democratic transition," Bush said in Rwanda during a tour to Africa. "Eventually this transition ought to lead to free and fair elections. And I mean free and I mean fair."

Democracy is NOT FREEDOM!!!! Elected people do not have consent to do as they please. Elections are not a substutute for individual freedom and free markets. Democracy is rule by a selfserving theiving mob. Democracy means war, socialism and poverty as groups try to convince the democratically elected rulers of the value of their hairbrained schemes. Bush is one of these worshipers at the alter of democracy when he should be at the alter of individual freedom, extremely limited to non-existent government, free markets and peace. (Note the modification to the motto of the Cato institute, who has recently left doubts in my mind if they believe it.)

He should have said:

The USA hopes that the retirement of Castro will spark a new beginning for the lives the folks in Cuba as they throw off the horrible yoke of communism and have a greater revolution that has the purpose of establishing the INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Certainly not just another socialist government under the disguise of a democracy.