The depth of western democracy

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The depth of western democracy - 8/29/2007 6:25:43 AM

meatcleaver

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There is a lot of nonsense talked about western democracy (whatever the nation) as though it has been around for a thousand years and is deeply rooted in our culture. Universal suffrage in the west is very new in historical terms and is for the most part, less than 100 years old.

Seems to me that on that record, the west has nothing to teach anyone about democracy. Especially (without going through country by country) when for the most part, universal suffrage was won through great upheaval or compromise by the government to ward off civil unrest.

The biggest laugh of all is that it is often the rightwing that claim some special authority for the west because of its democratic values. The same political type who resisted universal suffrage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_suffrage

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RE: The depth of western democracy - 8/29/2007 8:13:20 AM

toservez

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All countries throughout history preach in some way to their people the superiority of their country. America/Western democracy is no different.

So whether a country’s preaches their superiority based on the form of government, religious beliefs, homogenization and any other method to condone actions of it’s country no matter if the actions are actually good or bad and to use and exploit these differences by pointing out others differences as bad, wrong and evil to instill fear and lack of caring for other countries.

So in this current time frame in the world the West uses democracy as the lead bullet point on what makes them better. Countries are made up of people and collectively it will come out the selfishness and self righteousness regardless of the delusion crutch it is based on.

It is easy to point out the black and white situations but it is unfortunate when diving into the grey we as human beings still only see black and white.

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RE: The depth of western democracy - 8/29/2007 8:16:09 AM

Politesub53

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Nice barb Meatclever...How can < The same political type who resisted universal suffrage. > in the past, be the same people making claims for Western Democracy in the present. Since you yourself mention the 100 year gap. The point you overlook is that in the last 100 years the West have made giant strides ( except in Puerto Rico, where they still cant vote )