Model for Democracy?
President Bush is not happy with Iran's voting process. The other day he said that it "ignores the basic requirements of democracy."
Democracy, according to Webster, is:
1 a : government by the people; especially : rule of the majority
b : a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
2 : a political unit that has a democratic government
3 capitalized : the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the U.S.
4 : the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority
5 : the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges
Obviously, President Bush seems to believe in Definition 1a fully, and is insisting that Iran is ignoring Definition 1b. One can argue that the President himself has some issues with Definitions 2 thru 5 (I think I can see why he wouldn't be too keen on Definition 3 so let's skip that for now). I say that because The White House (read: Bush through his staff) is blasting Democrats in Congress for being combative. Maybe his definition of "democracy" is different because in his attack on Democrats, (which he'll most likely continue as he tries to re-energize public support for various ideas/programs) he claims that they are getting in the way of his work.
But last I heard his party has a good foothold in all three branches:
President of the United States: George W. Bush, Republican
US Supreme Court:
7 Justices chosen by Repubilcan Presidents (from Nixon to George Bush Sr.)
2 Justices chosen by Democrat President (both by Bill Clinton)
109th Congress (2005-2007) Senate
Total Seats: 100
Majority Party: Republican (55 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (44 seats)
Other Parties: Independent (1 seat)
109th Congress (2005-2007) House of Representatives
Total Seats: 435
Majority Party: Republican (232 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (202 seats)
Other Parties: Independent (1 seat)
Most would look at these numbers and conclude that the Republicans have a majority and could get alot of what they want done (especially with public support). And in a democracy, majority rules more often than not, even with opposition. I'm sure the people of Iran know this.
So why complain how one nation isn't promoting democracy and then turn around and complain about your own is using it too much? Methinks the recent poll numbers do tell the tale.
Democracy, according to Webster, is:
1 a : government by the people; especially : rule of the majority
b : a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
2 : a political unit that has a democratic government
3 capitalized : the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the U.S.
4 : the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority
5 : the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges
Obviously, President Bush seems to believe in Definition 1a fully, and is insisting that Iran is ignoring Definition 1b. One can argue that the President himself has some issues with Definitions 2 thru 5 (I think I can see why he wouldn't be too keen on Definition 3 so let's skip that for now). I say that because The White House (read: Bush through his staff) is blasting Democrats in Congress for being combative. Maybe his definition of "democracy" is different because in his attack on Democrats, (which he'll most likely continue as he tries to re-energize public support for various ideas/programs) he claims that they are getting in the way of his work.
But last I heard his party has a good foothold in all three branches:
President of the United States: George W. Bush, Republican
US Supreme Court:
7 Justices chosen by Repubilcan Presidents (from Nixon to George Bush Sr.)
2 Justices chosen by Democrat President (both by Bill Clinton)
109th Congress (2005-2007) Senate
Total Seats: 100
Majority Party: Republican (55 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (44 seats)
Other Parties: Independent (1 seat)
109th Congress (2005-2007) House of Representatives
Total Seats: 435
Majority Party: Republican (232 seats)
Minority Party: Democrat (202 seats)
Other Parties: Independent (1 seat)
Most would look at these numbers and conclude that the Republicans have a majority and could get alot of what they want done (especially with public support). And in a democracy, majority rules more often than not, even with opposition. I'm sure the people of Iran know this.
So why complain how one nation isn't promoting democracy and then turn around and complain about your own is using it too much? Methinks the recent poll numbers do tell the tale.
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