Hi, > "...Is the USA not a democracy?" > > Not by the strict definition of democracy. It is a system of > government where the majority of the people make the rules > for everyone. Here is a site discussing the differences: > > http://www.chrononhotonthologos.com/lawnotes/repvsdem.htm > > The United States is a republic. The minorities (are supposed > to) have a voice and rights too. In practice, some groups > want to turn it into a democracy (i.e. the Christians and > their attempts to erase the separation between church and state).
These definitions seem rather narrow to me, and are perhaps more specific to the situation in the USA than to the rest of the world. 'Republic' seems to have several definitions, of which the most common is 'not a monarchy'. Certainly the definition you have given does not sit well with some other states that are/were undoubtedly republics. Also, the site you've quoted, as well as Collin's email, seem to suggest that a republic and a democracy are mutually exclusive. I don't know how well this idea would sit with the people of Ireland, or France, or Germany or the many other democratic republics. So again I think the definitions are too narrow and parochial. In any case, for Collin to suggest that Kerry's use of the word 'democracy' rather than 'republic' has some kind of sinister Marxist implications is plain nonsense. > > "Are you suggesting that Kerry is a > Marxist?..." > > Kerry said many things during the campaign that I thought > were socialist in principle. Perhaps that is what Collin meant. Batter is made from flour, eggs and water. Pasta is made from flour, eggs and water. But they're different things. Kerry and Bush no doubt shared plenty of ideas with each other, and with socialists and with the Monster Raving Loony Party. But they're all different parties. -- Cheers, Bob
