. . . and one I've had before, it seems, in a galaxy far, far away.
It is useless to argue with the supporters of democracy as it currently exists in the U.S. because they are intentionally blind. They are also basically ignorant of history.
Your time would be better spent talking to a brick wall; you know what they say about trying to teach a pig to dance.
But you'll notice if you read through this thread that I'm not alone. In fact, even with Zviadist gone, I believe we have more allies here now than you did back when you were heroically carrying the banner for King Charles I in 1999. I suspect this is because the Religion forum is now known for its Catholic discussions and so attracts traditionalists, who are likely to also have sound views on history and government, and do not join FR in order to cheer on Bush and his Wilsonian adventurism. That is what makes this discussion more rewarding than talking to a brick wall.