Next?

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by whell

Ok, but as long as we're pointing out inconsistencies, the left got on Bush's ass for regime change in Iraq, and the Neocons for being stupid enough to think that the Iraqis would embrace democracy. We jumped into the fray in Libya and Egypt because we believed that the Arab Spring was a democracy movement. It now appears that Tunisia, Egypt and possibly Libya may become more theocratic than democratic. If this does become the case, it would be difficult to suggest that our involvement produced favorable outcomes from a foreign policy perspective.

It's indeed a sticky wicket trying to export (or even expect) democracy in nations who haven't progressed much since the 12th century and have never experienced democracy. The smoke didn't clear on our democracy for nearly a century after our constitution was drafted.

There are plenty of folks (indeed one of our two political parties) who seem to want increased levels of religion in our own democracy. The best we can hope for in these countries are democracies based upon Islamic principles (just as we are based upon the Judeo-Christian principles) with appropriate protection for minorities. However, we cannot expect them to vote exactly the way we want them to vote. Ain't gonna happen (nor should it).

[merrylander]

I am having a problem in remembering just who it was that intervened to give this country democracy in 1776.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by merrylander

I am having a problem in remembering just who it was that intervened to give this country democracy in 1776.

The French?

[piece-itpete]

Darn Frenchies and their fries bread & cuffs.

Pete

[merrylander]

Only one the Marquis de Lafayette if memory serves.

[piece-itpete]

There were many Frenchies in the effort. Also, if memory serves, their navy had a big hand in particularly in the end. I recall reading somewhere (there's real proof ) that we very well may be part of the Commonwealth now without them.

But agreed Rob, it was home grown. Tough men, those founders.

Pete

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

There were many Frenchies in the effort. Also, if memory serves, their navy had a big hand in particularly in the end. I recall reading somewhere (there's real proof ) that we very well may be part of the Commonwealth now without them.

But agreed Rob, it was home grown. Tough men, those founders.

Pete

Exactly my point, that you cannot "give" someone democracy, they have to want it badly enough to grab it with both hands.