There are many democracies in the world but I thnk they all chose this form of government themselves and either fought for it from oppressors or instituted it themselves in a revolution  or internal change. Most effeorts have failed and eventuated in a dictator ship as with Cuba etc. There are not enough George Washingtons. Some people do not feel comfortable with the responsibility of freedom and prefer to be told what is right and wrong by their religious leaders and books. But maybe they can be compelled to change their minds and eventually see the light. maybe not. what do you think?
121750
Nobody can be "forced" to be free-in that case,it's not really freedom,just another kind of coercian.Not every culture in the world subscribes to Western values,and attempting to force them to do so is counter-productive.\nTake a look at Iraq,where tens of thousands of people have already died and that's just the tip of the iceberg.\nNo matter what Bush says,they're on the verge of civil war\nand when that breaks out,what's happened up to this point will seem like a garden party in comparison.
91327
Yes.  Democracy encompasses more than just geographical borders.  It is a philosophy that is largely built upon the foundation of law, and freedom of choice.  As long as men continue to value individual freedom and freethinking there will be democracy.  I don't foresee a world filled with dark, gothic, Batman-like figures devouring the poor without a fight.  That's how France and America became great anyway.  Don't forget.  Lights of liberty we all must be.
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.
226843
That's a very good question.  I would say the quality of a democratic government depends on how democratic the government actually is and also on how capable of making wise decisions the people of the country are.  The ancient Greeks were among the first people to have democratic governments, and in their literature we can read about democratic governments that were disastrous because of the unwise decisions the people made.  That led some Greek philosophers to theorize that the best form of government would be a benevolent dictatorship by a person so wise that they would have preferred not to be in power, but accepted it as their duty, but that because of the instability of that situation, a democracy was the next best thing.  In modern times, we have seen many governments that claimed to be democracies but in reality were dictatorships of a rather less benevolent kind.  The founding fathers of the United States (by the way, I am from the USA) wisely formed a government of checks and balances, where the people of the country had a voice, but no one institution had absolute authority.  I would say that in our country today, democracy is sometimes in danger of being compromised by the influence of powerful business and special interest groups over corrupt politicians, and by the apathy of many voters who are not as informed about political issues as they could be.  But overall, the institutions are sound and democratic, so I would give the U.S. good grades as a quality democracy overall.
106517
Wel thats democracy for u...the system works in such a way..but u have a point..one person cant do much..its always collective force that needs to act..remember united we stand..
127192
While our country falls apart and the american dream becomes more dissolved. Our forefathers would be ashamed of our current government. The great USA is becoming more like communist Russia and communist Germany. We are no longer free. Our freedoms are being infringed upon. The very thing our Government says its fighting, they are inflicting on the american people. There is no representation and Americans were not asked if we agreed with this spying. Power is corruptive and the checks and balances have not stopped corruptions. I am appauled that our government in fear of terrorism has been coerced to change the way we live forever. There has always been terrorism, look at Adolph Hitler, Mousilini, and more, but in all these times what made America different was democracy, we had a choice. We now have no choice in our freedom and big govrnment is making decisions not for the people but against the people. Are we truly free? I think not.
467403
Nope, a lot of dictatorships are usually attained trough one's own power and not the will of the people, hence so many people dislike dictatorships. Some countries can't just over throw a dictator, if the dictator has military power it's usually hard, and a lot of people are scared.\nOtherwise, yeah I'm happy with my democracy, but the party in charge however is a different story.
172984
Historially, a secular government is great for any religious follower who doesn't want to get burned, drowned, hung, or beheaded for their religious beliefs.  And I think that is the issue:  a lack of historical understand of how Theocracies have worked, or more accuretely haven't worked, in the past.\n\nPersonally, I don't want any government telling what I can or should believe.  Religion is a personal choice, not a political one.
270921
yes I've noticed this. The U.S.A. wants everything our way. Not so sure we want democracy. the present administration is more concerned with having there way than democracy...hopefully this will change when we get a few of these currently elected officials out of office the American people are gettign wise to there ways and soon maybe the U.S. will be happy to mind its own business again. at the current time it seems we havent done a very good job running our own country doesnt make much sense that we are trying to run everyone elses. Unfortuneately we have a few more years with the current president but perhaps the American people can rein him in a little there are many people in the U.S. that are not aproving of the ways things have been handled too bad we get the blame for what the government is doing.
25973
So "Regime Change" follows the Founding Fathers???\n\nGet a life.  They call regime change elections.. . feel free to take part.
609961
That's the exact reason people are dumb. They are Sheeple. They are taught through the govt. controlled school system, and a corperately owned media. Everyone thinks they know what they know is 'correct'. They are taught what to think, how to think it, and completely discouraged from doing otherwise. Only people who aren't in this trap refuse to submit to it. We learn all we can and try to sort out what is really going on. If you are in the trap, its a darn hard one to get out of. Risk thinking for myself, and loose the support of everyone else who is in the trap (which is a very large portion of the population, unfortunately). But even many independent thinkers get trapped because of either lack of support or lack of information. The truth was never an easy thing to handle.\n\nAnd I have to agree, the amout of people I have encountered who can't make the distinction between Democracy and Consitituional Republic, and that we are not supposed to be a democracy is kinda frightening.
499518
i aggree with Phil when he says "Democracy is a very over-used and incorrectly used term\n\nWhat happens in many Western countries and the USA is called an OLIGARCHY and a PLUTOCRACY.\n\nThese are not true democracies - until 'we' can have a real democracy, we cannot export anything but a lie. "\n\nultimatly, help is for those that want it, not those that need it.....
127739
It's a great system in a world without human emotions. Unfortunately, no government could ever run a communist nation and still give its citizens the rights America does. So it's a good idea on paper and in books, but real life, I don't think it will ever work out positively.
401503
It's hard to do so, I do believe that there are many responsible countries out there that are really trying, but not every country is a responsible one, some counties are ruled by selfish rulers who's only concern is power that they can acquire for them selves. I think it best if counties are ruled by governments that allow their citizens to have a voice, when we can get the world on board with that I think we might have a chance.
194674
i think you're missing the point. Freedom gives you the choice to choose your countries destiny. If the afghans vote to have the taleban rule their country again then they can (although US probably won't let that happen). But its their choice. In Iraq, Saddam wasn't elected, he was a dictator, Iraqis can choose to elect someone like him again, but can only do it if they have freedom.\nI don't agree with a lot of Americas foriegn policy, but would argue that no population would not want, enjoy and appreciate the freedom offered them
375006
This is a representative democracy, a government "of the people, by the people and for the people" my friend. Why in God's name would you want to cede that right to a legislator who only has his or her own interests at heart? Hasn't the last six years of politicians lying and spinning and changing the subject taught you anything?\n\nThere actually was a time when people fought and died for the freedoms you dismiss (Iraq does not count because our freedoms are not and never were at risk). But from The American Revolution to the War of 1812 to the Civil War, men fought and died for this country, "the last great hope of mankind on earth."\n\nDear God man, it's not just your right but your reponsibility as an American to know and understand the issues and VOTE DAMMIT the best way you know how - to have a say in the future of this democracy, to leave this country a better place than you found it. And you dishonor the memory of all those people who gave their lives if you don't.
672008
You do make a good point.  I am from the USA and it makes me sick how my country thinks it can export democracy and tell all the other countries in the world how to run themselves.  I think the USA needs to first fix the beam in its own eye in order to better help fix the motes in the eyes of others.