Why do people foolishly believe they have to abandon democracy if their opponent wins?
819662
I agree with you completely.  Once the new representative is sworn in, they are your representative whether you voted for them or not.  Yesterday, some of my candidates won, some lost.  I did not vote for my governor, who it turns out will still be my governer, but she is my governor.  I am just going to hold her feet to the fire and make sure she represents me.
1032472
No, you can't trust democratic (as well as non-democratic governments) to spend money wisely by a number of reasons. First: even when a democratic government represent 55% of the voters, there are potentially 45% (if not more), who would disagree with the government's policies. Second: the fact that you vote for a government does not mean you support or will support everything they do - they just look a little better than their opposition at the moment, that's why people vote for them. \nDemocracy certainly does not guarantee the best decisions. Think of the times when the Earth was considered flat. Imagine what the democratic vote on this issue would have been: "democratically decided - the Earth is flat!" \nHowever, imperfect as it is, democracy is by far the best form of delegating power to ensure it represents the common interest of society. This interest may be mediocre, but it certainly will be acceptable for a large part of the people.
1076906
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.
708809
Over 200 years ago, the Scottish historian Alexander Tyler stated that democracies exist only until people realize that by capturing government they can enrich themselves. After that, though the form of democracy may endure, the substance will be lost.\n\nThoreau was an idealist, and like all others of his ilk, he failed to regard the negative consequences of his own propositions. How does the thought strike you that there is no contradiction between the all powerful, all controlling state, and what Thoreau says?\n\nHow does the proposition strike you that what people want (as expressed by the democratic process) is greater security from want, and greater fulfillment of desire? The growth of government power isn't some back-room conspiracy of a few power hungry maniacs -- it's the direct result of politicians giving the people what they're crying out for -- MORE!!!!\n\n[EDITORIAL NOTE: If this concept doesn't quite make sense; please refer to Dostoevsky. His section from "The Brothers Karamatzov," entitled, "The Parable of the Grand Inquisitor" deftly lays out the chilling argument that people want to get rid of the burden of freedom as quickly as they can].\n \n\nIt is simply the nature of power that any government big enough to give you what you want, of necessity, must also be a government big enough to take from you everything that you have.\n\nIf you really want "limited government" you can have it. But you can only have it if you are prepared to accept total responsibility for every outcome in your life, and not ask for government assistance when things go wrong. And the incontrovertable fact is, the people have rejected this notion. The "power and authority of the individuals" as expressed at the ballot-box has spoken over the decades, and the politicians have simply listened, and given the people what they want.\n\nWhat Thoreau is naively assuming is that people actually want government off of their backs, and are willing to assume the full burdens of their existences. He's wrong. People want the freedom to do as they please; but when things go badly, they want (and indeed, expect) the government to step in to make things right. This duality of desires inevitably leads to decadence and a diminution of the human spirit. This is EXACTLY what the great prophet, Aldous Huxley tried to warn us about in his masterpiece, "Brave New World;" and people still don't get the message. "The People" want to be taken care of; and out of respect for the "Will of the People," the government is increasingly giving the people what they want. But what the people want is ultimately destructive of the very spirit of freedom the people claim they wish to protect. \n\nThe journalist H. L. Mencken once said that Democracy is the theory that "The common man knows what he wants, and deserves to get it -- good and hard." He's right.
868693
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.
669816
They like power. They like being at the top of society. But, it also has to do with the fact that these nations have very limited histories in democracy. Democracy is a journey, NOT a destination.
402155
You will never win this one, the law of the land says it's legal, in controlled and certain conditions, that should be good enough, unless you don't like democracy. If you do then vote. and make yourself heard through the democratic way.
185331
The problem with Democracy is that we have a country based on equality AND freedom.  Alexis DeToqueville wrote that it is impossible for us to be totally equal and totally free because the wills of men will always cross other's boundries.  If you are posing a question of whether or not it is more important to be "humane" than "democratic", then I believe that you might have something.  Ofcourse, democrats will undeniably stand up and say that democracy IS humane, but I guess that's all in the eye of the beholder.  Fascism shows itself on many different levels, from the workplace, to households, to governmental issues, but the one thing I can say about democracy is that it at least tries for a middleground on freedom and equality.  A goverment by the people, for the people, but it does seem that the people's voice is getting a bit weaker than it used to be.
1046172
For one thing, quit spending so much time and energy trying to destroy each other for the sole purpose of getting elected. Power should not be an end unto itself. They should simply say "Here's what this guy thinks, I don't agree, so here's what I think would work better" without resorting to attacks on the other guy's character, and letting the voters make an educated decision, rather than one based on some sense of outrage towards one candidate, on who they want to lead them. People should always go to the polls to vote FOR someone, not AGAINST someone. That defeats the purpose of democracy. Any politician who can do that has my vote.
1160582
Winston Churchill had a great quote about this:\n"The best arguement against democracy is a 5 minute chat with your average voter."\n\nIn short, people is stupid.  Get used to it, sorry to burst your bubble.
1124440
let's face it. american democracy is not freedom for all and is not rule of the people, but rather rule of the press. there is also a very low probability of becoming a president or a senator without a lot of money and people backing you up (in which case you have to pay those people or act the way they want you to get them to follow - which means not expressing yourself and not being free). voting is so directed by press that it's not even funny. and i mean, we all think that war in iraq is to bring democracy, but it actually is to get oil or some other reason we dont even know about. seriously, what government has ever in history gone to war to help people of another country? no government. what government has gone to war saying they are going to help other people but go for a different reason? many governments and many times. it's an old trick and many americans are going for it. furthermore, ok, we live in a country that isnt quite democratic as by principles, but we like it. ok. we can live like it, even though it is not the rule of the people. but why do some people think that this government is what the iraqi's want, if it is not the rule of the people??? there is so much propaganda here in USA that it is incredible. george bush and the republicans are not at all stupid like many people try to poke fun at them. however, they try to get profit for themselves rather than for the nation, for face it, their election campaigns cost way more than what their salaries pay off.\n\nps. as for colonial mode, us has been in colonial mode ever since its beginnings, including hawaii, costa rica, and panama canal. during the cold war, spheres of interests. and now, this.
345438
Because either people are apathetic, or, they are hypnotized by these  crooked politicians.  Very few of us are immune  to it. I am one. I do not vote for those who want to rule for  a 2nd or 3rd term or beyond. They have gotten rich enough, and don't need any more of my money.
178565
A French Diplomat said in the late 1700's that the Democracy would last only as long as it took for the masses to realize that they could vote themselves money out of the public trough.\n\nThat's happening now.  Ineligible people are on welfare and unemployment, illegals are clogging our services, and "progressive" politicians are voting more and more benefits.
671943
false sense of freedom. fuks over the minority, because majority wins it doesn't mean they are right
751959
Just like in any election, most registered voters don't show up and a minority determines the outcome.  On the other hand, askers will often select an answer that best suits their ideology or feelings on an issue, rather than actually choosing the best answer. So I suppose you need to take it case by case.  I prefer when the asker chooses the best answer, because at least then I know they are actually reading the answers. But that's nothing to do with democracy.
960674
Well you are not alone in feeling a revolution needs to happen.  Many countries all over the world, including Canada which is where I am from keep hearing these politicians issuing statements such as "when we came to power".  They seem to forget who gave them power.  The whole political structure needs reviewing.  Through out the so called Democratic world, we have allowed a reversal of the way things are supposed to be.  We ask for protection and economic management, but instead get laws, restriction, and control.  Politicians seem to ignore written constitutions which BELONG TO THE PEOPLE.  They are supposed to uphold these terms and conditions.  We have allowed it to happen, and need to understand that politics will not change unless we make them change.  It's our car, and they are the chauffeurs.  We want a ride not to be told how to sit.  They will not change unless we change and that is by making our demands fully apparent.
58398
Democracy is not what our Founders created not is it what they wanted.  In fact they feared it.\n\nAs the Founders knew, democracy is the path to dictatorship.  \n\nIt is neither desired nor is it sustainable.