Is Democracy the same thing as freedom ?

Question

A few thoughts: What if Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding what's for dinner ? Wasn't the Nazi Party initially the democratically elected party of Germany ? Once Iraq is fully sovereign, will the democratically elected Iraqi government protect the rights of the Christian(and other religion) believers ?

I'm not knocking democracy- I'm just saying we should not be lulled into thinking that because we elect our government officials does not mean we aren't creeping towards losing freedom.

Answer 1

We live in a country where it is politically correct to assume all cultures are equal. However, one of the criticisms many traditional conservatives had of the Iraq war, was whether or not the Iraqis had the culture and tradition to govern themselves in a democracy. It is difficult to speak of the "social contract" when these people act like savages by beheading people, blowing themselves up, and refusing to participate in the process.

We see similar challenges in Russia, whose traditions lie in a Communist dictatorship. In America, we were largely free from the day to day monarchy of England and developed a different political culture that allowed us to thrive under democracy (we've had some bumps in the road of course).

You should also draw the distinction between a Republic (which we have) and a pure democracy. Our founders warned about the "tyranny of the majority" the need for checks and balances within a democracy. That's one of the reasons we live in a republican democracy modeled after electing leaders to vote on laws rather than direct vote of the people.

Regardless of whether you supported Gore or Bush, the 2000 election dispute was one of the great testiments to our democractic system. It was settled with out bloodshed or massive protests (there were some) through the political system. Compare this to Mexico where their is widespread fear of violence in the political system or others countries who would breakout in Civil War.

Answer 2

Okay, I'll step on the soapbox. Firstly, dinner will be lamb chops and mint jelly. The Nazis were indeed elected into power in a legal election. Iraq will never have a true representational democracy as the dominant religion in there won't stand for it. as to 'creeping towards losing freedom', we rushed headlong to that goalpost with the Patriot Act. Who is a terrorist? Anyone the Department of Homeland Defense says is a terrorist.
This administration uses fear and misdirection as everyday tools to accomplish their agenda. They hint at enemies in the dark conspiring against us to rally support for the wholesale theft of the country. If the aforementioned enemies are plotting against those in power, that doesn't mean they conspire against the country. One mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. Under the current administrations rules and policies, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and all the rest who revolted against England were a bunch of ill armed terrorists! Think hard about that when you look at the next election cycle. If the Bush clan had been around during the American Revolution, which side would they have sided with: the well connected and rich Torrie's, or the ragtag revolutionaries? The haves, or the have nots? KEEP AMERICA STRONG: THINK, then VOTE!

Answer 3

This is confusing for many people because the words are use interchangeably (and incorrectly I think). Democracy is a process. Democracy means mob rule, literally. The majority always wins. If you want a group of two wolves and a sheep to decide to eat grass and puppy chow, then you had best install a republic, instead of a democracy. A republic is designed to resist majority rule and prevent abuse of the minority.

Perhaps we should have two meanings for democracy, Procedural and Substantive (not quite the same idea as liberal democracy). Some totalitarian or authoritarian regimes practice Procedual Democracy (elections), but not Substantive Democracy. Some Monarchies practice substantive democracy (the people get what they want and need) but not procedural democracy.

Answer 4

The nazi party never had a majority in the reichstag, but they were elected by growing numbers of people in each election from 1927-33.

Little known fact, some communist countries have voting, you can vote for whoever you like in the ruling part to lead it.

Take the US government, but stripe away the bill of rights. You have democracy, but hardly freedom.

The real problem in Iraq is that they have enshrined religion into their constituation now, for today's protection, a decision i bet will be a huge problem in 100 years time, if they even last that long.

In American, you have a two party system, that is hardly freedom in government, because the two parties work together to kill any other parties, they protect themselves.

Answer 5

Of course Democracy does not mean freedom, but at least if the majority agrees that an injustice is being done they can do something about it. You can see freedom being eroded away in America the jewel of democracy. The current administration takes away a freedom and if anyone says no you can't do that the administration yells terrorist, 9-11, unpatriotic and the congress bends over and kisses their ***. This is our democracy in action, fear and patriotism in Washington DC.

Answer 6

No. Liberty? We can elect officials to make choices for us, but we don't always vote on those choices. There are so many laws that you know if put to the public as a yes/no vote that would never make it. I know I'm breaking some kind of rule by not giving specific examples, but you would think they are as obvious as the question. I really don't know how the hell we got to where we are. I think I am not alone. I hope I am not alone. Are we really this stupid? Inept is the word, myself included. I never wanted speed bumps installed on my street. Tax rates? Cost of war, choice of war? Health care? Wages? Int'l Corps. , What next paying taxes to the U.N.?

Answer 7

The Nazi were a socialist party (one of many).

Freedom is a goal and aspiration, Democracy is a political expression to achieve the goal.

Answer 8

great question! You pay your nickle and take your chances, some of the middle east countries are democracies now, Iraq, Iran just to name two, Lebanon is also. Its no magic bullet to answer all questions and cure all ill's, its only a tool for the people of a country to decide for themselves who will speak for them to the rest of the world.

Answer 9

Democracy simply means that the will of the majority rules

Answer 10

Maority will rule in America as soon as we get rid of the Electoral College.