[johnfrink]

Well, semantics, I guess. Of course, how many people refer to the US as a "democracy" everyday as well? ;)

[Reagan Man]

You make a good point. All things considered, a "republic" is a form of "democracy". As in, a representative form of government by the people. However, a "republic" is not a pure democracy, of mob rule. In a republic, elected officials are expected to act on their own best judgment of the needs and interests of the country. The officials in a democracy more generally and directly reflect the known or ascertained views of their constituents, sometimes subordinating their own judgment.