"I wish folks would realize that democracy is not a good *fit* for every people. Just look at Iran. Or Nazi Germany."
Ooh. You could get me on my favourite philosphical discussion here. I broadly agree with the point you are making. I would paraphrase it slightly - democracy without a decent consituttion or enshrined seperation of powers between the branches of state is simply Mob Rule. I believe the Iranian and 1930s German examples bare this out.
I think the Americans themselves often underestimate the contribution the seperation of powers has had to its unstoppable development as a force for good. (And I folks here think the supreme court stinks so I might be on a looser arguing this thread!).
Also as a precursor to introducing democracy you have to have the 'rule of law' in place. Iraq is still fragile on this point - the Saudi's would not be if they had the will.
Many Iranians regret the revolution they have done and want democracy. Just take a look at some Iran related news on Free Republic.
Agreed. The genius of the Founding Dads was two fold:
They wrote a constitution assuming that the government would be run by curs, and they set the government up to be at war with itself, instead of the citizens. (The soooooooooopreme court does stink, that's their job right now, the various branches end up taking turns being the stinker)...
Exactly..
Democracy and Sharia law and Monarchy (amd any other form of gov't) EXCEPT the United States "IS" MOB Rule..
AND the Democrats and Rinos are jealous... thats why they work 24/7 against a free republic.. And when Hillary(and Bill of course) are elected in 2008 America will cease to be the exception.. its almost there NOW...
"I think the Americans themselves often underestimate the contribution the seperation of powers has had to its unstoppable development as a force for good. (And I folks here think the supreme court stinks so I might be on a looser arguing this thread!)."
Not true; the reason FReepers tend to disparage the SC is *because* it's overstepping its domain by creating law out of thin air with its decisions.
People are (rightfully) concerned about an unelected Court that no longer cares to wait for Congress to create law before it creates new law out of the gavel.
Well a perfect example of democracy without the separation of powers is the Palestinians. They voted in HAMAS as a ruling party. Now blood runs in the streets.
But, hey, they got democracy!