Is 'Democrasy' worth fighting for?
By livewyre
@livewyre (2450)
January 16, 2007 7:07am CST
In the West, we often get involved in conflict in order to defend or promote democrasy - In your opinion, is it worth dying for. What do you understand by the idea 'democrasy'?
8 responses
@livewyre (2450)
•
23 Jan 07
The more that democracy becomes established, the more people will subscribe to anarchy. The idea appeals to our natural instinct for self-rule. In the UK, the British government is establishing regional government ie. in Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland. There has even been moves to establish a parliament for the North of England. This is the start of anarchy in my view. ie. not accepting mass rule, but desiring self-rule.
I agree that human nature desires anarchy, however I am not so sure that I think it will serve everybody equally!
@Nesta_13 (45)
• United States
23 Jan 07
Well if you want equality you'd turn more to a communist type of view. Like in Cuba where they get Free health care and shelter and transportation... and they get food every week or something like that. Don't get me wrong it has it's bad sides because you won't be gettin Pizza, burgers with coca-cola but everyone gets equal amounts of food. You won't be living in a mansion with your BMW in your garage but you'll have a roof over your head with transportation. That's why most people want to leave Cuba because they want to live a luxurious life.
@livewyre (2450)
•
23 Jan 07
I didn't mean that equality was neccesary, just that it may not be popular with the entire community. After all, unless you fight for anarchy, a democracy can only become anarchic if people vote for it. It seems to me that you will find far less folks willing to fight for anarchy than for democracy (it would be a contradition in terms to have an 'organised' body fighting for anarchy)?
@belligerentwarrior (223)
• Pakistan
27 Jan 07
Yes i think democracy may not be the ideal system but it is the best available theory right now.
@hariharbhat (1312)
• India
27 Jan 07
The change in the order of the world never comes according to the wishes of human beings.If you take the notes in history, it can be understood better.Many efforts were put by great mighty people to retain their hold on the people perpetually but everyone has failed.
Hence I believe the efforts are not necessitated to keep the democracy alive.It is the hypocracy in existence in the name of democracy.
True Democracy can be seen only when the human beings grow to a level of highest stages of evolution of mind.
@ashjoe76 (1422)
• India
16 Jan 07
Democracy is definitely a concept worth dying for. But I say 'concept' because I seriously doubt whether it retains its original, natural meaning any more. What we see as democracy in today's world is nothing better than autocracy most of the times. So, we need to redefine democracy.
@pinkiedoo07 (21)
• United States
16 Jan 07
yes. and it's also worth spelling it right. (democracy)
Our Democracy is worth dying for. It is worth Pledging "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor". I will not weigh in on the issue of promoting worldwide democracy, because I think that just as much as we deserve the right to choose our government, others do as well, and if they want to be filthy commies, then who are we to say no?
PS. Wasn't trying to make fun of you with the spelling thing. I am the king of misspelled words, just thought I would give you a ribbing.
@livewyre (2450)
•
16 Jan 07
Thank you, I realised the spelling error straight after posting, then couldn't find a way of changing it...
Some missed opportuntities in your answer though - we do indeed choose our Gov't, but if you don't live in a Democracy then you don't.
What does democracy mean to you though - is it the same as voting? or is there more to it?
@AnswersNow (99)
• United States
26 Jan 07
Only if it is your own country in danger. We have no right to for another country to adapt to our concept of what democracy is.
@barbarella (354)
•
16 Jan 07
Oops, started a democracy discussion before checking whether you had! Mine is slightly different though. Is anything worth fighting for? As a pacifist, I don't believe anything is worth killing for. It also depends rather a lot on what the alternative is.
I know very little about politics so my extremely simplistic definition of democracy would be the right to elect our government.
@livewyre (2450)
•
16 Jan 07
At least you spelt democracy right...oh the shame - I am quite embarrased about it now...
I think people generally equate election with democrasy, but I think it goes a little deeper. I would say democracy is about the people having an involvement in Government and that asks plenty of questions:
-Should the mass conciousness dictate policy anyway?
-Should we use regional elections or proportional representation so that all votes count towards the result?
The failings of most systems (if you accept that the 'mass' should rule) is that it is quite difficult to bring that about unless you have a referendum on every policy.
