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From: todd@SCIRTP.UUCP (Todd Jones)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: Re: More Thoughts On America Bashing
Message-ID: <283@SCIRTP.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 5-Aug-85 20:04:59 EDT
Article-I.D.: SCIRTP.283
Posted: Mon Aug  5 20:04:59 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 7-Aug-85 02:36:13 EDT
References: <421@iham1.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: SCI Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC
Lines: 50

> What makes anyone think that the rest of the world wants or even cares about
> democracy? 
> It's the height
> of stupidity to believe that the political system we're used to is appropriate
> for the rest of the world, especially in places that do not have the same
> intellectual background as we do. Our political system works for us because
> we have a thousand years of practice, preparation, and tradition. Other 
> countries don't have that same background.
> 

-Carl

I am one of the original posters you responded to. While I don't disagree
with you in general, I feel i should clarify my position.

First of all it is clear to me and many others that America has not
assisted other countries with the establishment of Democracy, even
though all our actions are carried out under that premise. I believe
many nations would benefit from the establishment of true democracy,
although you're right-my opinion is valueless since I'm not from 
those nations.

But....
We don't live in a vacuum and the concept of assisting other nations
in maintaining isolation is kind of ludicrous. The Marxists of the
world will be applying pressure, as will factions within each nation
that may or may not represent the best interests of the citizens.

The reason I advocate *PASSIVE* assistance in establishing demo-
cracies is not to proliferate many Americas all over the globe
so i can still use my Mastercharge everywhere. The appeal of
true democracy is that every person has a voice. In Marxist
regimes, this does not happen. As I understand the Chinese
system (rather poorly I'm sure) addresses the people's concerns
to an extent much greater than most other forms of Marxism.
this probably explains why Chinese communism works for China.
I believe in offerring democracy by example, and if no
resistance is met, assisting in demostrating the benefits.

I know I sound paternalistic and I don't mean to equate America
with any kind of political savior, but I think present attempts
at "spreading democracy" by America are totally pathetic.
I'll regret saying this but, "If we don't influence them, someone will."

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   [ O-O ]       Todd Jones
    \ ^ /        {decvax,akgua}!mcnc!rti-sel!scirtp!todd      
    | ~ |
    |___|        SCI Systems Inc. doesn't necessarily agree with Todd.