[kiryandil]

What is it that you think the word Republic implies?

For one thing, that Jose Illegal from Oregon's dog doesn't get to vote... :)

[Ditto]

All 'Republic' means is that the nation does not have a monarchy. For instance, Great Britain is not a republic, while Iran is a republic.

Republic does not equal freedom or liberty. It just means there are no Kings, Queens or Emperors.

See the Roman Republic (before Caesar) vs. Imperial Rome, (after Caesar).