Faking Democracy

[kalian]

http://www.fredoneverything.net/FOE_Frame_Column.htm

While the United States is freer and more democratic than many countries, it is not, I think, either as free or as democratic as we are expected to believe, and becomes rapidly less so. Indeed we seem to be specialists in maintaining the appearance without having the substance. Regarding the techniques of which, a few thoughts:

(1) Free speech does not exist in America. We all know what we can’t say and about whom we can’t say it.

(2) A democracy run by two barely distinguishable parties is not in fact a democracy.

A parliamentary democracy allows expression of a range of points of view: A ecological candidate may be elected, along with a communist, a racial-separatist, and a libertarian. These will make sure their ideas are at least heard. By contrast, the two-party system prevents expression of any ideas the two parties agree to suppress. How much open discussion do you hear during presidential elections of, for example, race, immigration, abortion, gun control, and the continuing abolition of Christianity? These are the issues most important to most people, yet are quashed.

The elections do however allow allow the public a sense of participation while having the political importance of the Superbowl.

...more...

[Doctor Panacea]

1. I agree with some of his points, but . . .

How much open discussion do you hear during presidential elections of, for example, race, immigration, abortion, gun control, and the continuing abolition of Christianity?

The abolition of Christianity?

:wtf:

This is just more paranoid projection from people who have taken control of our country and now see themselves as victims.

He seems to be a curmudgeon with a Bible up his ass.

[kalian]

2. Fred's political affiliation is tough to pin down....

he is happy handing it out to BOTH sides.
As for the "abolition" of xtianity...maybe he's talking about the
"old" xtian beliefs...not the pseudo-born again bs that is spewed
around every where.

[Eric J in MN]

3. Most of those topics (not the last one) were in at least one Dem. debate

nt

[shance]

4. "Maintaining the appearance without having the substance"

Wonderful point. Does anyone wonder when we our country became so shallow and void of depth?

Have we always been this way? Are we running from too many lies and just trying to distract ourselves? Whassup?

Just take a look at the television and our magazines and see how validated this article becomes.

[ixion]

5. continuing abolition of Christianity?

uh, I'm not sure I agree with that one bit. I do agree with his other points, that we have no free speech and not really a democracy with a two party system... but then he has to go gettin' all freeperish.