[DHerion]

Not as a complete comparison but how many people today would consider the American republic established in 1789 a 'democracy.' We had slavery and women could not vote. Ending both (mainly slavery) caused enormous bloodshed. Big changes do not occur non-violently. They are fought over. At some point even Islam will be compelled to make changes to survive in the real world, but it will be bloody and vicious.

[lesser_satan]

We're not a democracy, and never have been. We're a federally organized, constitutional republic with democratically elected legislatures and executives. It's worked quite well, IMHO.