Free Republic

How precious is it that resident Joe Biden still seems to genuinely believe that the United States is the ultimate guardian and arbiter of democracy worldwide? It's not like the U.S. itself isn't struggling with the concept - and Biden really isn't making things better. American voters have long realized that those who are ultimately elected have the kind of financial hurdles to overcome that make it incredibly difficult for the Average Joe to participate, let alone win. Then, once they get to Washington, these elected representatives often succumb to the seductive siren song of special interests with deep pockets...

Joe Biden has invited Taiwan to a virtual summit on democracy alongside more than 100 countries -- a move that sparked indignation from authoritarian China, which is not on the list.Taiwan thanked Biden for the invitation and said the gathering would be a rare opportunity for the self-ruled democracy to burnish its credentials on the world stage."Through this summit, Taiwan can share its democratic success story," Presidential Office spokesman Xavier Chang told reporters.China said it "firmly opposed" the inclusion of an island it regards as "an inalienable part of Chinese territory". Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory...

Alliance of Democracies Summit: The Glass House Where the Power Elite Gather to Throw Stones WRITTEN BY: ALAN MACLEOD PUBLISHED ON: MAY 15, 2021 The lineup of presidents, generals and CEOs makes it clear that what was stated is effectively the collective view of the world’s elite and a window into their thinking and the debates they are having. What they decide will affect all of us, whether we realize it or not. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK — The United States is the nation that most threatens democracy worldwide, far more than Russia or even China. That is the headline finding from...

MANAMA, Bahrain-A U.S.-backed conference to promote Middle East democracy ended in chaos yesterday, with Egyptians leaving early after blocking Bush administration proposals to subsidize groups that promote political reform.

MANAMA, Bahrain — A U.S.-backed Mideast democracy and development summit ended in rancor Saturday despite adoption of two initiatives that are part of President Bush's push to expand political freedom in a region dominated by monarchies and effective single-party rule. A draft declaration on democratic and economic principles was scuttled after Egypt insisted on language that would have given Arab governments greater control over charitable and good-government organizations.

MANAMA, Bahrain - A U.S.-backed summit meant to promote political freedom and economic change in the Middle East ended Saturday without agreement, a blow to President Bush's goals for the troubled region. A draft declaration on democratic and economic principle was shelved after Egypt insisted on language that would have given Arab governments greater control over which democracy groups receive money from a new fund. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also used the conference to send a message to Syrians chafing under authoritarian rule, saying Washington backs their "aspirations for liberty, democracy and justice under the rule of law."...