Does anyone else consider DEMOCRACY to be DANGEROUS, especially because of religion?

Question

Fact is, people vote based on anything from appearance to religion. That's irresponsible, but a major fact in this country. So, when the religious majority elects an irresponsible leader, we get religious influence imposed on the country. There are no "checks and balances" for concentrating power around this kind of underlying motive, and it scares the hell out of me. Anyone else?

I don't have to have a solution to point out a problem. Just like to extend a middle finger to those who say "What else, communism?" and "You should move." I'm pointing out rough edges that make this country less good than it could be SO WE CAN FIX THEM!

Answer 1

Democracy is a dangerous institution. It puts serious decisions in the hands of the ignorant and the uninterested who inevitably vote on their own narrow interests and prejudices without looking at the wider picture.

However, there does not appear to be any viable alternative. The notion of a benevolent dictatorship or a benevolent oligarchy of any kind is not viable simply because of the truism that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

So, unless someone can come up with a better system (which I haven't come across)I don't think we have a choice.

Answer 2

Yes and no. People can say that they vote off of religous influence, but let's face it. People vote based on where the money is goining to go. Whatever is best to their personal well being and the well being of their family, that is what they'll do. Now, I'm not saying that there aren't people who vote based on religion, just not the majority. And the checks and balances only work for law making/ law enforcement. the government is run off of the people, and therefore it is based off of what the people believe. As nice as communism/socialism/dictatorship sound, all of the control is taken out of the people's hands, and the people become the controled. There's a heck of a lot more room for governmental corruption there than there is in democracy. Besides, in communsim, everybody owns everything. No one would want to take responsiblity for said object for whatever reason because they would simply think that someone else would come around and take responsiblity for said object, since everyone owns everything. Utter chaos.

Answer 3

You are right there is a problem the president is doing everything he can to weaken the checks and balances in the constitution. to weaken the constitution and to lie to congress is a violation of his oath of office. He is a criminal and he should be impeached. If you want to do something this November knock on doors and get people to vote democrat. There is hope but I am scared too what the president is doing will take many many years to fix. The founding fathers are turning over in there graves,
Democracy is not the problem the MEDIA IS THE PROBLEM there was a time when they took there duty to inform the public as sacred. They have been bought by corporations and no longer do there job. It is the people Fault too they have been numbed by television just as the Romans were distracted by the Gladiators.

Answer 4

Even our Founding Fathers spoke against Democracy. Jefferson said this country would end up just like this if we allowed Democracy to rule. And I would have to agree with those who founded our Constitution... Democracy is Dangerous... it gives too much power to the common people, causes more division than it unites and builds walls where there is no need for walls.
It's annoying to hear these people claim that the Constitution upholds Democracy and that our foundation was based on such. It merely proves to me that they know absolutely NOTHING about our history and shouldn't be trying to tell others how it was or is going to be without that kind of knowledge.

Answer 5

All forms of government can be tyranical. Two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner is democracy at work. In some ways, democracy is worse than dictatorship as it enables a tyranical police state while simultaneously giving people the false belief they are partners in the system, thus removing the drive to overthrow tyrants. But if you're the guy in charge, you tend to like that aspect of it.

Answer 6

But what else would or should we have? Anarchy, Socialism? A Theocracy? Democracy isn't perfect, no system of government is but it's the best available of the alternatives.

The problem isn't so much the system but who is taking advantage of it. Some groups are under-represented when it's time to vote because they feel their voice doesn't count. It will only count if they decide to make it heard. You want change find a way to make it happen.

Answer 7

Truth be told, democracy is still an idea. It is not fully realized. The fact that forces such as religion influence our votes is a by product of our ignorance. Democracy is dangerous but not just because of religion. Our own ignorance is our danger!

Answer 8

Yes it does. There is supose to be a separation of church and state yet there isn't. Bush is a prime example, a man that pushes his religious beliefs on the rest of the country. This should be unacceptable but no one does anything about it. Laws should be based on what is reasonable, not on some leaders extreme religious beliefs. I for one am pissed off about the state of our 'wonderful' government. But remember, less than five decades ago blacks were not allowed to date interracially nor enter certain establishments by law. Religion was used to justify this and slavery. Such a sad history for such a great country huh?

Answer 9

Well, i live in Britain, which has the worlds oldest constant Parliament, and i dont see any other way..

I think i can speak for the majority of, hell lets say it, Europe when i say our Bible-thumping days are over. A true Democratic government will have checks and balances to keep Governments within an acceptable level..

So No. Democracy is a beautiful idea, if only we had more of it

Answer 10

What's the alternative? Regency? Dictatorship? At least the way it is now our bad choices only last for 4 years (8 if we're make the same mistake twice) Other systems of governments will have it lasting a lifetime...