Democracy

Great topic. Most americans no longer realize that we are a Republic, and NOT a democracy. They are shocked when you say otherwise. Democracy is also known as "mobocracy", a "mob rules" system. Where the majority vote can destroy another persons freedom. Ballot initiatives and referendums are not really constitutional. The majority is not always right. As an example, It's really easy (as in the case of the anti-smoking lobby) to rile the non-smoking majority into voting away the rights of smokers. I'm not talking about smokers breathing smoke all over non-smokers, I'm talking about a private club owner having the right to allow smoking in his/her establishment. Not only have smokers rights been violated, but also the owners private property rights have been violated. I used smoking as an example simply because it is extremely unpopular unless you smoke, and they were an easy group to go after. Even if a minority is unpopular, the majority should not be able to attack them. Very good thread, and I'm giving it a good rating. Thank you

color210, I am happy you took up this subject. IMO the only way Democracy is good is that no one can be imprisoned without trial. No one can be punished for holding an opinion against even the ruler[the representative who sits at the pinnacle of power].The question is does it still guarantee that the wrong people won't be elected to parliament?That some wrong decisions don't get taken because there is a wide distribution of decsion making power? You have already given two good examples of wrong or not so wise decisions by Democrtially elected parliaments. My feeling is that Democracy must have a form where important decisions can be taken on time and implemented pretty fast.

I completely agree with u color210! It is not logic that the majority rule! What if they're wrong! does the verdict becomes right even if its not,just because the majority felt this way? But if its not the majority, should it be the wealthy group of people? been there and it ddnt work out!! the wise must always rule! Bismarck once said about democracy and majority "11 donkeys rule 10 Bismarck" Hope our society will once evolve into a more logical government type.