"What is democracy"?

[mahnmut]

Sometimes I wonder whether we people in the "West" really know what the people in the "East" think about us, and if they hate us or have some objections against us, why they actually do. I've seen many examples of total ignorance on the Westerners' part about what's going on in the heads of the Eastern people, how their mind works and why they differ so much from our perceptions on some vital issues. And when trying to impose our way of life/thinking on them without actually understanding all the above, a disaster occurs. Again, the examples are many. I'm saying all this because I recently read a blog of a friend of mine who lives in the Middle East. Well, it was predominantly about US, but still is connected with what we all call the "West". It was important for me to "get into his head" and see what's going on there - especially regarding the "West". Then maybe I could change something about me too.

So this is what he wrote (with some minor stylistic & grammatic edits). I won't say "I'm mahnmut and I approve of this message", neither will I comment on some extremes that the below statement includes - I leave this to you. Say whatever you want. I'll just say it's worth putting all prejudices aside and thinking on it for a while.

What is "democracy"?

Nowadays, noone asks this question. It is unquestionably accepted that if America does something, whatever it is, then it must be democratic. American means democratic. An Un-american, or, God forbid, anti-American act automatically means un-democratic. Totalitarianism and dictatorship. For example, Saakashvili won a largely rigged election by 90% and was proclaimed the most democratically elected president of Georgia of all times, because he happens to serve the American interests not any worse than the hookers used to serve the sailors in the streets of the Red Lanterns area in Amsterdam. The opposite example: Putin kept winning all sorts of elections in Russia by roughly 60%. He was declared an un-democratic butcher and dicatator because he refused to take the role of an American hooker*, and besides he commited the greatest crime, when he kicked out several "good people"* like Berezovsky & Co out of Russia. The same way, everyone who disagrees with the greatest thinker of all time, the great hawk, comrade Bush, is labeled by the corrupt mainstream media as either a communist, or mujahideen, Taleban, terrorist,* a bloody murderer of pregnant American women in their 9th month.

If I didn't know what is the reason for all this, I would've said that I'm totally confused. Because it's not clear at all what the term "democracy" really means. I haven't read too many of the French authors from the age of Enlightenment, neither their American apprentices. I've never lived in a society which not only considers itself "democratic", but also refuses to demonize those who self-determine as great democrats and other such strange elements*.

All I know is that seeing this American ambition for a global hegemony, and knowing what the Americans are doing all around the world, while constantly talking about democracy and human rights, I cannot be anything else but an enemy of "Democracy", whatever that means. Because you cannot be honest and worship the things which the dishonest are talking at the same time, or to be aware of what's going on and still keep bowing to America. You're not a real man if you hide and don't try to reist the stinking plague* which radiates from this inhuman country.


Noury Khattab, Zufar, Oman


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* I've deliberately substituted some words with synonyms ;-)

Comments

[il-mio-gufo.livejournal.com]

I think when this person uses the word 'country' he/she makes reference to the elitists that have run this country (governmentally, financially) for quite some time. He/she does not use the word 'country' with reference to the general populace (the working class).

Before the USA is able to behave better in it's foreign relationships, it must first become more culturally/ethnically/racially integrated at the governmental level. And that is not to say that our local and state government bodies do not reflect an accurate portrayal of the many colors of people that represent a region, because many do, it is just to say that in Congress there may be a severe lack of variability therein.

Democracy would work better if a representative from every people group participated more actively. And at that, a good number of representatives from every people group. This interaction would stimulate better debate, better competition, better fiscal goals, better everything (all around). Don't you think?

There is a big and even bigger need for racial integration at the political level. But most, have given up hope on the 'system' and decided to put their energies elsewhere...in other disciplines .... I'll write more later I have to go :( Aaaaaah sorry!

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

He/she does not use the word 'country' with reference to the general populace (the working class).
I'm glad that you sensed this nuance in his presentation.

Democracy would work better if a representative from every people group participated more actively.
Your election system is meant to allow all groups to be represented according to their % of the population... or so it is in theory.