If democracy becomes a dictatorship with “thunderous applause,”*...?

Question

...is it because it is easier for the simple-minded and /or overwhelmed to go along with the herd?
Isn't being an American about more than simply being born here?
" If we who have the time and money to take to the streets don't do so,
then the people are going to think that everything is OK."
Peruvian university student protesting Alberto Fujimori's illegal election victory, April 2000
It is surprising to me that in such a militant and belligerent nation, the people are generally not so. But it is more surprising to me that people aren’t militant when it comes to a government so removed from the will of all but the monied few.
When the gov't effectively ignores petition for redress, as the bureacracy and electors ensure, how do the people peacefully revolt against what they are told is their duty to support? How do they peacefully reject their nationalist, pro-business, militarist oligarchy except by general strike?

*thank you Michael P.

Respect.

Answer 1

There are some good answers on here. I have to go along with coragryph's apathy, though, it seems as though people think that everything is OK. Most of the yahoos here on Yahoo are totally OK with Bush stealing two elections, sending us into a war on false pretenses, spitting on our Constitution, torturing prisoners, abusing our environment, outsourcing our jobs, dumbing down our education system-- and anyone who protests is labeled a communist or worse. I say it's gone beyond a dictatorship, it's an empire. And like all others, empires will fall. No one bothers to learn from the mistakes of the past which is why we keep repeating them. Maybe they should do an episode about it on "Lost" or "American Idol" or "Desperate Housewives" maybe we can get people's attention then. We can only hope.

Answer 2

Already the throngs are gathering. A recent anti-war protest numbered around 100,000 people. There were also protests in other major cities. Anger at the cost in lives and money in the Iraq War is mounting, and most people are anxiously awaiting the next election.

One thing we do not have is a vast number of young people. They were the ones who led the protests against the Viet Nam War. Today's young people have been so brainwashed against "liberals," and indoctrinated with the Christian Right policies, they can be penniless and jobless with their civil rights destroyed and their futures filled with the Bush debts, and still talk about Bill Clinton's lovelife and "bleeding heart liberals," as though they caused these hardships.

If only they understood what Bush has done for their futures, tremendous debt, perpetual war, corruption, destruction of the Constitution, ferocity standing in for Christian values. Instead, they speak the party line and look for "Liberals under the bed."

They'll learn. It will take time and a lot of money out of their wallets. George Bush is asking for 200 billion of borrowed money to continue financing his war. Someday these young people will realize who will have to foot that bill, at least those of them still walking around whole.

Answer 3

The majority of people prefer to take the path of least resistance and just settle for the status quo as long as they get at least the APPEARANCE that all is well. Sheep mentality has always gripped the ignorant masses for as long as civilization has existed. Very few want to put in any cohesive effort to bring about real change in not only government but in cultural and societal norms as well. By forcing those in power to change, it will inevitably cause society as a whole to change, which is what certain individuals and fringes do not want to see happen. Ignorance is bliss; truth hurts.

Answer 4

Yes -- conformance is easier, and fighting oppression takes too much effort to overcome the apathy gripping the nation.

And the only peaceful revolt comes when people are willing to overcome that apathy and send even a non-violent message -- such as voting all of the current politicians out of office.

Answer 5

Too bad so many people in this country that think that saying came from Star Wars. *tisk*tisk* So much for history class. You make a very valid point, but as someone had said most of America is full of fat, lazy apathetic people who think we have it just great. Sometimes it takes a guy up in a clock tower or building to change things in this country. Sad to say..

Answer 6

If (?)democracy becomes a dictatorship with thunderous applause,
we are no longer in Kansas Toto! Or we've become mindless
automatons.

GTG! I'm off to see the Wizard

Answer 7

First of all, our country is not a democracy. It is a constitutional republic.
Secondly, ours is not a militant and belligerent nation. We are a caring people, the most generous on the planet.
Last of all, I am a nationalist. Members of my family and I have lived in other countries, and there is no place on earth we'd rather live than right here. Capitalism is a good thing, not a bad one, for many reasons which you obviously wouldn't understand, and this is not an oligarchy. Google it, fool!

Answer 8

they slowly take away their citizen's rights and freedom by putting false fear in their people by using public media and/or churches. recognizing the leaderships of the opposition groups and some how get rid of them using different reason IE; terrorists, anti-American and/or homeland security. take over the leadership. using their most vulnerable population IE; poor youth, nationalist, uneducated masses to do their dirty work IE; as soldier. it is more like a slow motion coup! peace

Answer 9

Because its done in steps. Steps that seem innocent enough. Gradual loss of freedom rather than a sudden loss. Freedoms are given up because people are kept in a state of fear. Fear for their lives and property as well as their way of life.

Answer 10

Because somehow people think they are owed free healthcare, housing, food, and all the essentials of life. When they are old, they are owed a bed in a nursing home. They don't care who has to pay for it....as long as it isn't them. Yes, we are moving to a Socialist society. How pissed will you be when you are working hard and being taxed hard. Your neighbor doesn't work because he likes to play video games all day and smoke. He will get the same government paycheck as you do from working.