Why does the USA think that all countries need to have a democracy?

Question

I'm an American and I don't think our form of government is so great. Sometime a dictator is better IF the dictator is of a good nature. Other countries base their government of their religion and we are trying to change them. WHY? I certainly wouldn't want China to force their way of life on me so why are we doing that to other countries? No wonder we are hated.

I said GOOD dictators are OK...which there have been in biblical times.

WUNHUNGLOW has it RIGHT by George!!!

Answer 1

Thanks. This [rhetorical] question presupposes a truth... which I think is self-evident.

We do not even have a "democracy" here in the U.S.A.

The form may appear to be a democracy, but since the Congress AND the Executive AND the Legislative branches of our government have all ceased to represent the will of the electorate (if they ever did), the phrase "... of the people, by the people, and for the people" is meaningless.

So, indeed, how can we have the nationalistic arrogance to try to impose our form of government on others in the name of "democracy"? This attempt at imposition (because we are currently powerful enough to practice it, and arrogant enough to assume it will work) may be justified in terms of selfish national interests. But that is hardly morally justifiable, so we definitely should not pretend to be all high and mighty, as if "God is on our side".

Please, anyone, cite just one example where imposing "democracy" on a culture or country in which that concept is totally alien throughout its history, and in which exists the implacable will to resist unto death, has ever been successful, by any nation-builder in the entire written history of humankind. I can't think of one example. Counter-examples of Vietnam in the 1960's and 70's, and, more recently, Iraq, with the U.S.A. in the role of "imposer" come to mind.

Does anyone here really think Iraq will ever become even remotely democratic, "... of the people, by the people, and for the people"? When our own country can't get there either? [Also a rhetorical question].

Answer 2

To claim that "sometimes a dictator is better" is completely ignorant of the history of every single dictatorship that has ever existed. They always end in either a bloody coup or a horrific social uprising. It's rare to find a society willing to tolerate even so much as dictator-esque behavior in their elected leaders, and if you do, it is only because the public is denied a voice.

Dictators sit on pedestals, high above their people, lounging in the affluency granted to them by the endless labor of the common man. Dictators are NOT merely powerful figureheads, like the monarchy in England has become... Their decisions are guided only by their own whims, until eventually they fall prey to usurpers' assassins or the consequences of a civil revolution.

Furthermore, America *usually* does not "force" democracy on anyone. This point is debatable, as the current war in Iraq is so unpopular on both sides of the ocean, but it must be understood that America is justified in nearly all her conflicts, especially those in which democracy is achieved where once there was none. We respond to the outcry of citizens under the rule of tyrants and despots. We respond to the brutal injustices seen every day all over the world. We do not simply kick down the doors of peaceful countries and demand they convert to a democratic governing style.

Answer 3

As an American living in China, I haven't found any outstanding differences here. We have essentially the same freedom of movement and about the same level of freedom of speech (Some Chinese criticize Chairman Mao). The monster communism developed here to unite the country into a cohesive state rather than fiefdoms under the emperors. Voting requires sophistication in Civics and a 'democracy' would have ended with internal strife. Will it change? Yes, as the country becomes mature enough. America invades countries, subdues and turns over infants that soon fall under dictators. A case in point is the 'government of Iraq'. Many Chinese think of Bush as wanting to be the police chief of the world. Do we need to change governments? No, Let the Sri Lankans do their own thing. Myanmar is another example....they need to solve their own problem...perhaps civil war (without interference from others). Read about the various domestic problems of African nations but they should resolve the problems by themselves. Americans are disliked by many but it is from national policies, not the color of the skin. We deal unfairly because of the spending power we flaunt world-wide.

Answer 4

Personally, I would rather have some say in the government than not. The constitution and the bill of rights are the basis this country was founded on. If you want to live under a dictator, go to Cuba, it is only 90 miles from the Florida coast.

Feel free. Before you go, check out your lifestyle and rights at www.therealcuba.com.

By the way, I think you are just the type of person we don't need here in the USA.

Answer 5

i think the last thing, USA is bothered about is democracy. Monetary benefit or in other words oil is most important. Rich dictatorships like UAE are doin very well . without attacking anyone. Actually before 9/11 , other than the palestine question, none of the arab countries or muslims faced so much prejudice or problems.i thought the muslims were doing pretty good for themselves when this laden guy comes up and does this horrid thing that triggers a set of events that kill even more people. if only tht man hadnt done tht, people wont think muslims have have horns and tails and a swords hidden somewhere.
but still ,i think democracy is the future of all countries , because although its not perfect, its a sensible and logical way of governing.tolerance will be very important in future. tolerance of people, religion and cultures. hopefully another laden wont come along for a longtime.. amen

Answer 6

Unfortunately I cannot think of a dictator who is working for the people. Democracy as it stands doesn't work either because the government does not tell its citizens the whole truth of what is going on and let them form an opinion based on the truth.. Unfortunately big business now rules the world.

Answer 7

It's a case of biased ideology. Sometimes, some cultures are just not emotionally mature enough to handle the responsibilities of democracy. Look at Iraq. I predict that whether or not the US continues to monitor them, 20 years from now, they will still be killing each other because of their biased ideology against settling disagreements with some approach other than violence. Saddam Hussein may have been a ruthless dictator, but he kept the peace between the warring factions most of the time, even if he had to kill a few thousand now and then to make his point.

Answer 8

A democracy has worked EVERYWHERE it was tried. You can not say that for a dictatorship or communism, etc. Look at Cuba, China, North Korea, and other past governments that failed. Russia, East Germany.

If you don't like America why don't you just go to one of those countries? Maybe that will answer your question.

Answer 9

There is no such thing as a dictator with a good nature.

Pinochet and Mugabe come to mind as why dictatorships are wrong. Inflexible thinking, bizarre notions of right and wrong and an eventual escape from justice for atrocities committed.

Answer 10

I believe our founding Fathers would want other countries to decide for themselves what type of government to have. Besides, the United States itself is not a Democracy, it's a Republic. Let me know if you don't know the difference and I'll be glad to explain it.