Posted on 02/01/2006 7:48:26 AM PST by PlainOleAmerican
Throughout American history, our primary peace initiative has been our export of western democracy and freedom around the globe. Believing that all people desire and deserve freedom and liberty, and that the world would be safer, more peaceful and more prosperous, America has liberated some 70 countries and literally hundreds of millions of oppressed and brutally tyrannized people over the years. For the most part, the world is a better place as a result.
But occasionally, we learn that no matter our good intentions, democracy is not for everyone and the results can be something quite different than intended. Such is the case with the recent free Palestinian election that has hoisted well-known terror organization Hamas into power.
The Middle East has never been known for peace. Known better as a hotbed of the most brutal tyranny and despotism on earth for centuries, it should come as no surprise that such a people would elect such an organization to leadership, given the chance.
The controversy surrounding the Holy Land has existed for centuries. The deep-seated hatred between the warring parties has been ingrained in both Arabs and Jews since biblical times. Finding a road to peaceful co-existence in these parts has proven to be the most challenging peace initiative on earth. Electing Hamas is not likely to make that peace process any easier
Hamas, acronym of Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya (Islamic Resistance Movement), is engaged in social welfare activities as well as in terrorist activities to achieve its political goals. It is listed as a terrorist group by the European Union, Canada, the United States, and Israel; the U.S. State Department provides a list of terrorist actions by Hamas.
(Excerpt) Read more at canadafreepress.com ...
What a bunch of crap - NOT educational, NOT true.
I hate when leftists say that democracy is not for everyone, as if they've asked everyone, or even anyone, if they prefer to be free.
It's NOT a free and fair election if the candidates KILL anyone who doesn't toe the party line of death to Israel. In most cases, freedom-loving populations are too far gone under tyranny to resist effectively - no weapons, no money, constant persecution.
I'm of the opinion that democracy needs a little help wresting the power from evil men, there is such a thing as force for good.
even though hamas is now in power, i still feel better knowing the people chose them. now there is no doubt about the will of the people and we can take them on fully knowing it was what the people chose.
If none of us have the capacity to govern ourselves, who among us has the ability to govern someone else??
"Majority rules" was invented for just that problem. It's not perfect, but there is no alternative that works.
Well Said!
Democracy nowadays has a hard time spreading becuase with current technology outside forces can mobilize faster and communications are much better. If America had to fight for our independence today we would have a harder road and need a lot of help for other countries less we would fail. So we need to help get democracy a root to grow on.
Maybe you should read the entire column before making a fool of yourself?
Makes sense to me!
Understood....
Some of us do...some of us do not...
That's why we are a representative republic and not apure democracy.... A measure to save us from ourselves.
Part of democracy is learning the consequences of extremely stupid electoral choices. The Palestinians will almost certainly be taught that lesson by the Israeli Air Force in the coming year or two.
I hope you guys know that I was advocating self-government in that statement, not deriding it. That was a paraphrase of Reagan, who was paraphrasing Jefferson. This idea goes back to the ancient Greeks or Romans. It is, by far, the best method of government developed so far (or according to Churchill, the worst, except for all the others.).
Very likely...
Well said... by you and Churchill!
Someone didn't listen to the President last night....
The President MUST extend an opportunity for Hamas to reform and he has. Even if Hamas "says" the right things, the motives defined in their charter remain...
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