MAYBE DEMOCRACY ONLY WORKS IF…

Forums: Politics, Dictatorship, Democracy, Freedom, Rights
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…the people who comprise the democratic society are willing voluntarily to give up some of the freedoms that would be taken away in a dictatorship.

For a long time now I have been of the opinion that democracy functions so less efficiently than a dictatorship…that it makes sense to suggest “democracy simply does not work.” But the discussions motivated by the recent NSA intrusions into individual privacy have made me consider the possibility that democracy can work, but only if we recognize that the kinds of unfettered liberties we seem to want can only be had at a cost too great to bear in a world as complex as the one in which we live.

(ASIDE: I liken my thoughts about this to my considerations of capitalism. I am a capitalist…I think capitalism and free enterprise (not really the same thing) are the most efficient ways to run an economy. Free enterprise and the rewards given to capital seem essential to me. But capitalism allowed to run wild…results in the kinds of things we are seeing in today’s American economy…and ultimately, that is a road to economic Hell.)

Do you have any thoughts on the “democracy” question?

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@Frank Apisa,

I think we should try it someday, and free enterprise too, someday.

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@RABEL222,

RABEL222 wrote:

I think we should try it someday, and free enterprise too, someday.

From the movie Knight and Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz:

Roy Miller (Cruise's character):

"Someday." That's a dangerous word. It's really just a code for 'never'.

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@Frank Apisa,

Yep!!!!!!

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@RABEL222,

RABEL222 wrote:

Yep!!!!!!

I figured that was where you were heading.

Were you thinking of Tom Cruise's comment at the time you wrote it?

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I believe in regulated capitalism - the kind we had going into the 1960s, basically. I believe in a system that taxes and spends responsibly, allowing for infrastructure needs, the so-called entitlements, law and firefight, education, and so on. I believe the military is essential, but should not be deployed at an administration's whim and that it ought to answer to a responsible budget. I vote for people who are nearest these positions, but am constantly disappointed at how it turns out. Mostly, I vote for Democrats because the Republicans seem more intent on taking down the government than in making it work for the people. I have never believed that there is no difference between the major parties, but I have complained that many Democrats cave in to Republican obstructionist politics. I have complained that our current president is in foreign policy exactly like GW Bush in most respects.

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@edgarblythe,

edgarblythe wrote:

I believe in regulated capitalism - the kind we had going into the 1960s, basically. I believe in a system that taxes and spends responsibly, allowing for infrastructure needs, the so-called entitlements, law and firefight, education, and so on. I believe the military is essential, but should not be deployed at an administration's whim and that it ought to answer to a responsible budget. I vote for people who are nearest these positions, but am constantly disappointed at how it turns out. Mostly, I vote for Democrats because the Republicans seem more intent on taking down the government than in making it work for the people. I have never believed that there is no difference between the major parties, but I have complained that many Democrats cave in to Republican obstructionist politics. I have complained that our current president is in foreign policy exactly like GW Bush in most respects.

I certainly have many of the same qualms you have, Edgar...and I tend to get frustrated by the stuff that happens.

The Republicans have become an anvil around the neck of progress in this country...and I will not vote for any national Republican contender, because that person owes too much to an ideology I despise.

I do not see GW Bush and Obama being exactly alike in foreign policy...but I get the message you are imparting.

Running a country is a bitch!

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What really pisses me off about capitalism is when it all goes tits up and the party's over, all of a sudden it's socialism for the rich and heavy duty capitalism for the poor.
Bank bale outs, them boys need their bonuses... Big debt write offs for big business, etc etc.
Who pays for it all....
Democracy....To be able to vote is a precious thing, just wish there was somebody decent to vote for.
Where I'm from there's no political choice anymore, their all the same. SOB's

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@Frank Apisa,

Nope. Never saw the movie. And I cant stand Tom Cruise. Though I realize that is akin to being unamerican.

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@edgarblythe,

I agree with you completely.

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@eurocelticyankee,

When you start complaining about the bank bailouts make sure you look at the correct party.

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@Baldimo,

I'd be more inclined to look at the system.

I want rules n' regulations, transparency, accountability & corporate social responsibility....... who's offering that.

1 Reply

@eurocelticyankee,

Sorry but capitalism isn't an antonym for democracy...unless, of course, one is a die-hard Marxist.

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@Frank Apisa,

It's hardly a breakthrough notion that democracy is less efficent than a dictatorship, but since there are a number of nations that can realistically be described as democracies that have been, by just about any definition, thriving for hundreds of years, and there are no similar dictatorships, it's obvious that democracy, while not as bare boned efficent, as a dictatorship is far more effective.

Democracy is a method of governance.
Capitalism is a method of economics.

The two are not mutually inclusive (witness China).

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@eurocelticyankee,

What is corporate social responsibility?

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