Nonsense on the Inevitability of Democracy

The Future of Freedom Foundation ^ | August 7, 2006 | James Bovard

[A. Pole]

Bump

[Darkwolf377]

James Bovard

I think you misspelled his last name: "Blowhard" is correct.

[Joe Brower]

Perhaps of interest.

[EagleUSA]

Many Americans are being lulled into assuming that democracy is inevitable.
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The very thought is baseless and wrong. Democracy, due to the nature of man, is fought for and won, as history proves. There will always be fights between those that want power and control and those that want freedom. Such was our revolution in America, for example. We were fortunate -- we won. Many others have not been so fortunate. There is nothing "automatic" about freedom. It must be fought for, won, and paid for to keep it alive. History is a great indicator of the constant struggle between oppression and freedom.

Only those willing to fight for freedom, and pay the high price of freedom, will have and keep it.

[BenLurkin]

The President is either naive or overly optimistic.

Many societies -- perhaps most societies -- are incapable of democracy except in its most crude iterations.

Our representative democracy, our republic, was the creation of a special nation of enlightened individualists. Our founders reviewed the entire known history of governance (for they were indeed better educated in such things than any of our current academicians or political leaders) and crafted the highest form of self-governance for our people.

It was only possible to establish our republic due to the particular preparedness of the body politic. Americans of the day were the highest culmination of Greco-Roman, Judaeo-Christian, Anglo-American civilization. That acme of civilization has actually seen a degradation in the intervening years -- particularly in the last 50-75 years. And so we ourselves struggle with an electorate which is increasingly ignorant both acadmeically and culturally. It should be of no surpise that those backwards societies oeverseas are incaapble of understaniding and embracing the knids of sophisticated republican ideals that were once the hallmark of the American genius.

[BenLurkin]

And so we ourselves struggle with an electorate which is increasingly ignorant both academically and culturally. It should be of no surprise that those backwards societies overseas are incapable of understanding and embracing the kinds of sophisticated republican ideals that were once the hallmark of the American genius.

[VoodooEconomics]

I see....democracy is seen as inevitable - and worse - linked to the likes of Hegel!!! Omigod, Omigod ... Inevitability and Hegel will insure that history never changes and that a collective we (as on planet earth) can never improve our lot - democracy is the new tower of babel. Give up now! Tyranny is the only inevitable thing left for the world - It is a waste of time and effort to fight for freedom - lay down your arms and give up!!! What a genius!

[A. Pole]

Democracy, due to the nature of man, is fought for and won, as history proves.

What do you mean? That democracy is in human nature? Or that it is not and has to be fought for?

[EagleUSA]

Or that it is not and has to be fought for?
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Read my post again --- !!!

[VoodooEconomics]

I would have to add that Hegel was more likely comparing the feudal with the newer idea of state or republic. But why bother with any historical context?

[A. Pole]

Our representative democracy, our republic, was the creation of a special nation of enlightened individualists.

Or perhaps committed Congregationalists. The Congregationalist Church (and other churches with similar constitution) structure, practice and beliefs are the main form of self-government accessible to the millions of Americans.

As the American Protestantism declines so will the Republic.

[A. Pole]

I did, but it is not clear to me whether you think that democracy is in human nature. You do not need to fight in order for people to organize into societies.

I suspect that the natural form of government is monarchy same way as family is the natural basic unit of society.

[txrangerette]

I couldn't get past the opening salvo that Bush claims Democracy is inevitable. Far as I'm concerned, if this writer has anything worthy to say I'll miss it, 'cause I ain't readin' any more.

I have heard Bush indicate entirely the OPPOSITE.

That it will be very, very difficult to expand Democracy to those with no history of it, but that it is the right thing and the best policy. Bush often cites the US vs. Japan in WWII as an example of the difference Democracy made in our relations with that country. Knowing full well his own father was shot down by them BEFORE the change to Democracy was brought to Japan on the heels of their SURRENDER. He also cites Reagan winning the Cold War as prelude to Democracy taking hold in Eastern Europe.

Finally, he says we've got a long, hard road ahead in the WAR against Islamofascism and FOR DEMOCRACY.

This idiot must be confused because Bush said people naturally yearn to live free because they are made that way by the Almighty.

Like that's the same as saying it's inevitable.

DUH!

What a waste of space.

[EagleUSA]

I did, but it is not clear to me whether you think that democracy is in human nature.
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I believe that individual freedom, not democracy, is inate to humans. As we know, there is a big difference between the two. Cheers!!!

[A. Pole]

This idiot must be confused because Bush said people naturally yearn to live free because they are made that way by the Almighty.

People yearn for several things some of them contradictory. And I suspect that most of the people yearn for the comfortable and secure life much more than for political freedom like right to start a political party or your own newspaper.

[ClaireSolt]

I don't think there is any truth to what you say. The American founders read and discussed the ideas of the day and implemented them. What makes you think that intellectuals elsewhere have not done the same? There is no basis in fact for your assertion that people today are less educated than those in 1789.

However, I have been exposed to lots of Americans who have lived in the corrupt tyrannies of NE cities. They neither understand or believe in democracy or the American republic. They do believe in the maffia, though.

[ClaireSolt]

You may be right, but the troublemakers are satisfied with political rights. Democracy selects the wannabes like bin Laden and Nasrallah out and pouts them under kleeg lights where those who want to be free can watch them.

Inevitable, no. Never heard Bush say any such thing. Actually, I never heard anyone say it. Unalienable rights might be secured other ways. Even susan Collins trying to restrict smokers buying rights on internet today shows our government will oppress, if we let it.

[A. Pole]

I believe that individual freedom, not democracy, is inate to humans.

But the need to belong to family and community is also innate. And which is stronger?

The fact that the Congregationalist religion was the main place where the self-government and individualism was being introduced to the Englishmen both in the old country and in colonies tells us something. Calvinism is driven by a peculiar passion and requires familiarity with specific theological concepts to thrive.

[Vn_survivor_67-68]

"democracy" is proletariat mob rule, and the proletariat always receive their reward for falling for it.

America used to be a constitutionally limited Republic.