A conversation on democracy

Representative Democracy (Republic) A Republic is representative government ruled by law (the Constitution).   A democracy is direct government ruled by the majority.  A Republic, arguably, recognizes the rights of individuals while democracies are only concerned with group wants or needs (the public good). (Individual v Collective) "A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority.   There is but little virtue in the action of masses of men." Henry David Thoreau (1817- 1862)

DEMOCRACY A government of the masses. Authority derived through mass meeting or any other form of "direct" expression. Results in mobocracy. Attitude toward property is communistic--negating property rights. Attitude toward law is that the will of the majority shall regulate, whether is be based upon deliberation or governed by passion, prejudice, and impulse, without restraint or regard to consequences. Results in demogogism, license, agitation, discontent, anarchy. REPUBLIC Authority is derived through the election by the people of public officials best fitted to represent them. Attitude toward law is the administration of justice in accord with fixed principles and established evidence, with a strict regard to consequences. A greater number of citizens and extent of territory may be brought within its compass. Avoids the dangerous extreme of either tyranny or mobocracy. Results in statesmanship, liberty, reason, justice, contentment, and progress. Is the "standard form" of government throughout the world.

Traditional Views “The Democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.” ― Thomas Jefferson “If you have a sense of purpose and a sense of direction, I believe people will follow you. Democracy isn't just about deducing what the people want. Democracy is leading the people as well." — Margaret Thatcher

Critical Views “The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” ― Winston Churchill “A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

Radical Approaches “The only way we'll get freedom for ourselves is to identify ourselves with every oppressed people in the world. We are blood brothers to the people of Brazil, Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba -- yes Cuba too.” ― Malcolm X “Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” ― Abraham Lincoln “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.” ― Abraham Lincoln

Democracy & Education “I believe that it is essential to our leadership in the world and to the development of true democracy in our country to have no discrimination in our country whatsoever. This is most important in the schools of our country." — Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)