I agree with Socrates when he says that a wise, moral emperor with complete power is the best form of government. Democracy fails in the fact that most people are too uninformed to govern themselves (I mean bush got elected!).
129120
A representative government has proven itself to be the best form of government.  No arguing that.  The US also has capitalism going for it.
129074
Democracy is the best we've had so far.  I would like to see more direct democracy in the future.\n\nThe converse of democracy is a dictatorship.  There are many advantages to a dictatorship as well.  Countries with dictatorships essentially take a greater gamble.  A democracy will never vote in the best leader for a country, because the average IQ and political knowledge of a country is not great enough to make this decision.  A dictatorship with a perfect leader would enjoy a strong government for the leader's lifetime.\n\nThe problem with a dictatorship is that when a bad leader is in place, or when power gets the better of them, the country is stuck with them.\n\nKeep in mind that the most deadly dictator of our time, Hitler, was born out of a German democracy.  Now, Hitler never won more than 37% of the vote.  Somehow, the majority government fell and handed the power to him by default.  \n\nAll I can say is that we still have a lot to learn about what makes a great government system.\n\n\np.s...I agree with the comments about communism, but must mention that this is a separate issue from democracy.  A Democratic Communist state could theoretically exist, and it may just happen in the future.  Keep in mind that it may be much ado about nothing.  We call ourselves a Capitalist state, but are far from the true meaning of Capitalist.  All in all, we are a mild socialist state.   Likewise, a future Democracic Communist state would likely not be a true communist state, but simply a stronger form of socialist state.\n\nIe.,,,the possible futures of China or Russia.
341246
I do not understand what you mean by that . In all democracies, the rule of law prevails. In fact, that is the cornerstone of a true democracy. All are equal before law, and all are entitled to equal treatment before law. There are several legal principles by which our legal matters are governed.
549792
Good point.  When Bush talks about "spreading freedom to the darkest corners of the world", what he's really talking about is spreading his brand of government.  I can't blame them for not wanting that, because I don't like his version of "democracy" either.  It looks more like fascism to me.  I can't wait until we're rid of him, but in the meantime I'm hoping a big shakeup in Congress will make him a totally ineffectual lame duck.
518504
Absolutely. Fear of government is tyranny, government fearing the people is democracy. Somebody tell the repubs they are on the wrong course ......................
457116
Unfortunately, you completely misunderstand the problem.  Why is there corruption in all governments?  Because those in the governments have power!  The less power a government has, the less it will attract those who are power hungry.  Conversely, the more power a government has, the more it will attract those who are power hungry, and it is the most power hungry that are the most corrupt.  That is why the founding fathers, wisely, limited the power of our federal government severely.  Unfortunately, people have been more and more willing to give the government a bigger and bigger budget and more and more power, which attracts the very people we least need in such a position.  People continue, though I can't imagine why, to think that it is only a matter of "cleaning it up" to get a better situation.  The truth is that if the government was limited again to what it was supposed to be in 1790, there would be little motivation for the power hungry to take it over.  And, even if they did, it wouldn't matter anyway because of the severely limited power!  Talk about a win-win situation.   I think we are in for more of the same, unless the people finally say 'enough is enough,' and take away the unconstitutional powers of the government and the enormous budget they have.  Unfortunately people look at government as a benevolent big brother instead of the necessary evil our wise founders did.  Too bad, things will only get worse.
618230
Government knows best whats good FOR GOVERNMENT, namely keeping us "teaming masses" in check.  Since government not gonna voluntarily give up its power, YOU must choose your areas of freedom. The man can't be everywhere, all the time.
512
Judging by the last two elections it is evident that the voice of the people no longer exists.\n\nWhat you are currently witnessing is the sad truth of how corrupt individuals have overthrown a good working government and turned it into a dictatorship through manipulation.\n\nAlso another BIG misunderstanding is most people believe that the United States is a Democracy when in fact it is not!  It is a Republic!  A true Democracy (direct Democracy) would allow individuals to directly vote on legislation and do away with Senators and Congresspeople. To learn more, read, "A Republic, If You Can Keep It" - a statement by Congressman Ron Paul. (It is the second link below).\n\nOr better yet click on the first link below to learn more about what is true and what isn't.  It is one heck of an eye opener!\n\n:)\nPeace
652309
Yes, it's still very true! I've also heard somewhere that people deserve the kind of president they elect (not that Bush was actually democratically elected, or anything). If people are willing to sit idly by and let their country turn into a dictatorship, they deserve whatever they get!
221653
If the truth be told - there is no such thing as 'democracy' for all, and there never will be.\nSociety needs rules, the moment you have rules, you interfere with someones freedom - that is not democratic.
314926
First things first. Capitalism and democracy are not synonomous. We do not live in a democracy in the U.S. We live in a republic. Look up the definitions in the dictionary. Second, communism and democracy in their true forms are both idealistically set up to have an equal society. Where everyone has an equal say and eveyone gets an equal share. Here's a question for you. Do you think either of those is happening in either of these countries? I say absolutely not. Bush doesn't want to liberate the world, he wants to enslave. With a one-world government they plan on taking control of every aspect of your life. Ever read 1984? Well the Orwellian tale is coming to fruition. Domestic spying, warrantless searches and cameras on every corner. And that's just the begining. So, my answer to your question is NO. Capitalism(democracy), as you put it, is not the only solution. The solution is a worldwide revolution of the mind. People need to wake up and realize what's going on around them. Then, maybe we can stop these bastards. VIVA LA REVOLUCION!!!!!!!
322879
The United States is not a Democracy.  It is a Republic. A Democracy is generally thought of as being ruled by the people.  We elect representatives to "rule" for us. It would be too hard to run a country as a true Democracy.  All the people would have to vote on everything.  However, We do hold the democratic process, and the people, in high esteem and try to run the country by what most of the people want.
156451
Monarchies were the civic of choice for centuries, because they are effective. That is why we have a President, if you read documents like the Federalist Papers, the framers were afraid a democracy like ours would be ineffective because of how long it would take for us to make law and come to a decesion. And, because of all the different sides having to settle for one solution, they though most laws would be bogged down by ineffectiveness. (And isn't it true? Look at the imigration issue)\n\nOf course I'm not advocated Monarchy. A country's people choose their government, and if most of the people feel oppressed by their government than their will naturually be revolution, especially in this day and age when the only remaining super power loves forming new democracys across the globe.
381629
An excellent question. I am forced to borrow one of my favorite quotes:\n\n"In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve."\n\nI just hate the fact that before the people react, as I believe a little over HALF of them did on Nov. 7, they wait until the situation has bottomed out - rather than consistently participating in our government and trying to keep an even keel.\n\nAs the quote above indicates, you are 110% correct in placing the blame for any failures in this great nation squarely on the shoulders of the people. \nThe system of democracy cannot sustain itself without the peoples participation and constant input. \nPower corrupts - we see it demonstrated on a weekly basis - and, at times, even more often.\n\nThe people are the ultimate checks and balance - but only if they excercise that duty.
53750
No. For some more enlightened and less idealistic-minded people we realize that the democratic system is simply a guide line. That every and any rule set can be circumvented or bypassed. Vote? As long as there are electoral colleges your vote means almost next to nothing. Our government is corrupt and run by influence and pay offs. You're kidding yourself if you honestly believes a flawed and corrupt system such as ours is effective. Look at Katrina relief. Look at the poor inside our country. Look at the homeless child rate. Then look at the golden umbrellas all the CEO's, senators, justices and governors retain even after retirement. There's what they want you to see and then there's the truth. Take the blue pill Neo.
642799
there is this "idea" that democracy is good and other types of government are bad and/or evil.  no one system of government is inherently good or evil, but that just not how it is viewed.  i'm a little more curious as to why america thinks it can "teach" democracy with bombs and force....but then historically what we see more of is the idea that america teaches a system of rule that supports the US is more what it means, be it a democracy or dictator.
584807
socialism has one major draw back it is called the human factor whenever a human is in charge power goes to their head . look at the old USSR or china the heads of state were well of but the average person remains poor their is no political system of government that is not corrupt-able even democracy has been corrupted to benefit the wealthy