[Zviadist]

The part East of the Elbe was pretty much dark age in terms of democracy until recently.

Ever heard of the Golden Bull? Arany Bika, magyarorszagon? Didn't think so. Around the time of the Magna Carta. Before America was America, it defined that which many years later became the basis of American democracy. You know nothing of history. A little place called Hungary -- you might only know it as "the dark ages."

[Ditto]

A little place called Hungary...

So the Hapsburgs are right up there with Washington and Jefferson?

You really are starting to sound like some of the Black Nationalists. Did some Slave really invent a flying machine 10,000 years ago only to be ripped off by the Wright Brothers?

[NewAmsterdam]

Don't forget the Poles and their fierce parliament before they were eaten up by Russia and Prussia.