How do we prevent governments around the world from starting wars that the public does not want?

Question

Aren't democratic governments representatives of the people or is that really just what they tell us?

Answer 1

Even more important, how can we prevent our own government from starting wars that the public does not want--or should not be fooled into wanting by deceptive maneuvering of "intelligence" and the press. And how do we persuade them to get out of such wars before more of our troops and more innocent civilians are killed?

We'd better elect a president characterized by an understanding of the world situation, skilled in diplomacy, strong in protecting our Homeland, and articulate in the advocacy for peace. And we had better elect US Senators and Representatives in Congress who will exercise thoughtful and responsible oversight of the Excutive Branch. Otherwise we may end up with an(other) oligarch who won't even keep our country out of unilateral, preemptive, imperialistic wars, much less exercise leadership in promoting peace among troubled countries elsewhere.

Henceforth, we must make sure that our own government is made up of representatives of the people rather than representatives of big corporations that rely on warfare to make their millions, who profit from government contracts in war-torn countries even without submitting competitive bids, without undergoing strict and regular audits, running up huge cost overruns, and NOT accomplishing the tasks they are being compensated for.

We must make sure our government represents the people, not the Halliburtons, and seeks our own welfare at home and harmony in the world rather than excessive profits for oil barons in Texas!

Answer 2

I think we can stop our own governments from starting wars by:

1.) Thinking more carefully when we decide to elect someone. Is this person going to set a good example for the rest of the world and find peaceful resolutions?

2.) Work harder to convince others that the best way to solve things is diplomacy. A single person can only do so much, but if everyone decides against wars, then the nation has a voice.

3.) Cross your fingers. If you want peace and everyone else wants war, there's nothing much you can do about it.

Democratic governments *are* representing the people. However, the vast majority of people right now, (at least in the USA), want this war to go on. So that's exactly what the government has to do.

Answer 3

I know that my answer may not be the best. But i will voice my opion anyway.

I believe that no matter what we do there will be war, the will be death, there will be bad people and bad things that happen. That is the nature of the world.

I wish there was something that we can all do that will stop the wars and the hate and crime and the anger. But there is not.

So i do everything i can to be the best person i can be, and i don't read the news anymore or watch tv.

I know it still exists even if i don't read or hear about it. But at least i don't think about the wars that are going on.

We are not that much of a democracy. Compared to Cuba, yes we are but not as much as you would think. We elect people to represent our opinions. But, they do not alway have our best interests in mind when they take office.

Also, there are a lot of people that i don't see fit to make any kind of decision about the well being of our county. For example my companies secretary, she is not intellegent and i would not want her to have a vote as to if we go to war or not.

I do wish the war the US has started would result in some lower gas prices. So we would have something to show for what we are doing.

Answer 4

Well, in all truth, the US isn't democratic more than it is republic. This is even reflected in the pledge of allegiance: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands..."

From dictionary.com:
"re·pub·lic Pronunciation Key (r-pblk)
n.

1.
1. A political order whose head of state is not a monarch and in modern times is usually a president.
2. A nation that has such a political order.
2.
1. A political order in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who are entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them.
2. A nation that has such a political order.
3. often Republic A specific republican government of a nation: the Fourth Republic of France.
4. An autonomous or partially autonomous political and territorial unit belonging to a sovereign federation.
5. A group of people working as equals in the same sphere or field: the republic of letters."

We do have small things in common with democracy, but honestly, a democracy is truly run by the people. As it is, when you vote, you are only voting to try to sway your representatives in the electoral college. While they are supposed to follow popular vote, they don't have to in all cases. That is why there are many people for the abolishing of the EC. It's not a true democracy.

Just for the other side:
"de·moc·ra·cy Audio pronunciation of "democracy" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-mkr-s)
n. pl. de·moc·ra·cies

1. Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
2. A political or social unit that has such a government.
3. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.
4. Majority rule.
5. The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community."

I believe this is why people get confused. We *DO* have elected officials, but as you can see in #3 - common people are *not* the primary source of political power.

So - that's really the key. Make our country a TRUE democracy and you will be able to control what your government does. Get rid of the republic.

Other interesting articles that show the differences:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy

Answer 5

Many countries around the world are not true democracies and they only act in their leaders interests. I doubt there is much one can do to prevent them from doing so until they have a stable government and society. Its just that instablity that keeps people on edge and ready to fight in wars, they use fear to motivate their people. Sadly, it works.

A true democracy is represenative of the people and should respect their peoples wishes. War should always be used as a last resort.

Answer 6

Governments don't start wars. People do.

Answer 7

We are one of the few countries in the world that enjoys the freedoms we do. Most countries do not enjoy that luxury. Why do you think we fight so hard for ours? Most of us realize we have it pretty darn good here in the good ole USA. Is there room for improvement? There is always room for improvement, and in this country you are allowed to ask and work for it.