Stars & Stripes letter: America's ‘democracy’

[lebkuchen]

As recited in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, it should be remembered that the United States is not a democracy, but a republic parallel to that of ancient Rome.

As proven in the Bush/Gore presidential election, the people of the United States do not have a direct say in the decisions made by the government. This is proven again once over, considering President Bush’s plummeting support among the people, as he continues his pursuit of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Nor does it seem that the people will have any power to stop the commander in chief should he (and Congress, of course), decide to declare war on Iran.

All of the above is not what bothers me — it is the lie of democracy that perpetuates Operation Enduring Freedom that bothers me. If the president were truly a democratic idealist, then he lacked the integrity to turn down the decision made by the Electoral College in 2000 in favor of the decision made by the majority of the people. If the president were truly a democratic idealist, I would imagine the people would have made the decision for war, and the people would continue to make decisions regarding the war.

It seems all too clear that Bush’s so-called “spread of democracy” is just a facade for ulterior motives, of which I must plead ignorance.

Pfc. David Findley
Butzbach, Germany


If anyone cares to respond to this, send it below w/phone number & address. If you have any connection to the military whatsoever, you might want to include it, but it isn't necessary.

[e-mail]

[neuvocat]

1. That man is extremely intelligent!

Agree or disagree with him, he clearly shows how well rounded on his arguments.

[pacalo]

2. This administration doesn't have the credentials to "spread democracy."

I loved the letter, but this sentence was awesome:

"If the president were truly a democratic idealist, then he lacked the integrity to turn down the decision made by the Electoral College in 2000 in favor of the decision made by the majority of the people."