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The word “democracy” has a colloquial meaning that is used in common speech. In the U.S. we have a “democracy” as that term is used by most people. You sound l
by skhunted 3y ago
The word “democracy” has a colloquial meaning that is used in common speech. In the U.S. we have a “democracy” as that term is used by most people. You sound like the people who say communism has never been tried.
Talk about straw man!
- Intermernet 3y agoI'd say he's illustrating the nuance intended by people who say communism has never been tried. On paper, both democracy and communism have been tried. In reality, both have been ham-strung by human greed, corruption, propaganda and good-old apathy.
- slothtrop 3y agoThose elements don't nullify the existence of democracy.
- Intermernet 3y agoNo, just the effectiveness of democracy.
- slothtrop 3y agoDiminish is the word. Perfect effectiveness is impossible.
- skhunted 3y agoIn an academic setting where people are using precise terminology these nuances are worth debating and are important. But in a forum such as this one where it is clear what one means by “democracies” this is not appropriate. Clearly there is a distinction between Russia/China and the U.S./most of Europe in terms of freedom/elected representation where one side is called “democratic” and the other authoritarian. Pedantically quibbling over precise definitions is useless in this context.