Why Democracy? Re: # 99

Thank you Kulharee.
mirmir, I value your opinions but I will have to disagree with some of your points. Kulharee has put it plainly.

Intelligence is not the same as ``educated``. I live in the mid-west. I am sorry if you had to put up with nonsense.

I also differ on the point that religion is an oxymoron to enlightenment. You are correct that nations, groups etc have misused religion to conquer, rape, pillage and more. ``The Enlightenment`` was very very ugly. As is the case with ``The inquisition``, witch trials, pogroms and the like. These events must not be confused with a religious expereince. It is my thinking that enlightenment can be reached with religion. I believe that he subject of enlightenment is relative. Can it only be obtained by Buddists or believers of Hinduism?

Opaque Particles of Sunlit Sand That is a wonderful work! Thank you.

Why Democracy? Re: # 89

Ironically most of the countries that have ``Democratic`` in their name often are quite less than democratic...

Mantolives, I agree 100%.

Why Democracy? Re: # 82
Yes, mohar, Southern and Mid-Western U.S. are hardly centers of enlightenment - exactly the opposite. You apparently speak from personal experience. Do you think that it serves the U.S.`s ruling class interest to keep people poor and ignorant? Isn`t that what most totalitarian governments do?


If by enlightenment you mean religious? Religous enlightenment is everywhere in America. Every city or town has at least one church or temple. My city has dozens of churches. If you mean to say that America is without enlightenment that is a slanderous statement. If that is your intention I am questioning your motives. Please elaborate.

It certainly does not sever a ``ruling class`` to keep people poor. Please remember that there are funds availiable to the working poor to attend college. It is within the reach of every American to become educated.

Why Democracy? Re: # 85

U.S. law and it`s court system was based on Great Britian`s. Officials are elected. I`m not sure why all the ignorance about what a Decomcracy is. In a Democracy, people - all people have the right to vote elected officials. The officials represent the people who elected them; their roles are to create and uphold laws.

A country that tacks the name ``Democratic`` to their name doesn`t make their legal system a Decmocracy. All people must be able to vote. Even Russia now is a Democracy, although plenty of dirty tricks keep it less so.

To answer your question, ``a constitutional Monarchy like that of UK`` is indeed a democracy. The Monarchy does not rule, it is merely a national symbol.

Why Democracy? Of course Decomcracy is superior. Even Communist China is trying to create a fusion between a Communist governement and a Capitalistic economy. Capitalism, Christianity and Democracy are the keys to a wealthy civil society. Look at the most successful countires in the world; United States, England and the Germany,.

Even God seems to be an American. Or at least he favors them. Not long ago Muslims proudly and exuberantly proclaimed that God was punishing America for it`s ``evils`` by eradicating New Orleans. It is estimated that just over 1,000 people have died and hundrend possibly thousands are homeless. But it is now appart that God favors America. Look at Pakistan. Now estimates are that 79,000 are dead and millions are homeless. Where are the muslims with prolimations of ``God`s wrath``? It looks as if capitalism, in the eyes of God is pale in comparison to a religious extremism, intollerance, terrorism and a horrible human rights record.

Apparently the endless charity of the U.S. had overcome the supposed evil of capitalism. It`s ironic that countries that are all to eager to hate the U.S. become beggars in the face of the almighty U.S. dollar.

Before you debate me, get off your knees.

Can Condi take on Hillary? You underestimate the White Christian Conservative`s deep roots. I believe that many consdier Condaleza Rice as a puppet. She has the credentials to qualify but she is no shark like Hillary. The White Conservative will not vote for any black; male or female. Their deep rooted prejudice is very strong so Condi has 3 things going against her. 1) Puppet 2) Woman 3) Black

I believe that an unknown male conservative will rise to take the nomination. The Republican party can`t reveal him yet. They must save him from attacks and a Democrat strategy.

The Deomocrats cannot afford to lose again. I`m not sure Hillary will be the answer. Don`t forget that Barack O`Bama is being groomed for the top spot. Condi vs Hillary is a great theme to sell magazines but its not very realistic.

Earthquake in Pakistan Many here are right. Now is not the time for politics. My prayers are for the living and I hope things can be repaired as soon as possible. Why is it the poor who are always struck so fiercly? It is a terrible shame. I hope that I don`t hear anyone speaking of ``god`s wrath``. Natural disasters are terrible enough without the condemnations.

Seemingly, God is Angry at America It`s nice to know that an American, let alone a person living in Detroit would have such hatred for America. It`s ironic. You need to leave America and go back where you came from!

Tell me, does god hate pakistan more than America? The Katrina death toll is just over a thousand, yet in Pakistan today, tens of thousands have died in an earthquake.

I`m going to take you at your word. God punishes people who are bad. You called on a human sacrifice in your last paragraph. As you say, God must be angry. Maybe he is angry that Pakistan harbors so many terrorists? America is a blessed country. God willing it will stay that way without all of the hatred.