The democratic revolution marches on...

[DanS]

In the sweep of history, I don't think there has been such a string of democratic revolutions. During the Cold War, democracy felt to me more like a status quo ideology, but the two decades since that time have proven that democracy -- an ideology over two centuries old -- surpisingly has a pretty sharp edge.

The US has supported most of the recent revolutions with only very modest amounts of money: About $20 million apiece. This demonstrates to me that if you are spending a lot of money supporting these revolutions, you probably aren't getting your money's worth. You also have extreme odd couples like Bush and Soros and quite interesting side stories.

Some countries have proven very resistant. Iran costs some $40 million per annum, but we don't know when or if it will topple. If you want to include Iraq as a democratic revolution, then that costs some $50 billion + per annum. You might want to include Lebanon as a package deal with Iraq.

Next up on the hit parade, Asia and the Middle East...

Lebanon
Kyrgyzstan
Uzbekistan?
Moldova?
Kazakhstan?

[Dis]

forced democracy

voluntary democracy

[Agathon]

It has nothing to do with the US. More to do with access to mass media.

Besides, the western "democracies" aren't really, anymore.

[BeBMan]

You sound as if that is pure business.....

[General Ludd]

I'm thinking of investing in a revolution myself, but am unsure of the dividends.

[Dis]

yes, what about the cost of life in attaining democracy?

no big a deal if that's what the people want, but against their will?

[St Leo]

There's a what-now going on? Eh?

If you want an actual string of democratic revolutions, try 1848.

[chequita guevara]

What democratic revolutions?

[Dis]

Originally posted by General Ludd
I'm thinking of investing in a revolution myself, but am unsure of the dividends.

do you own stock in Haliburton? If so, then

[DanS]

Originally posted by BeBro
You sound as if that is pure business.....

Well, I wouldn't describe it quite as "pure business", in that you can't really "buy" these revolutions. Soros spent a fortune trying to bring down Bush and it had little to no impact, for instance. However, as stated, a modest sum of money is helping to even the playing field with undemocratic governments.

[Odin]

Originally posted by Agathon
It has nothing to do with the US. More to do with access to mass media.

Besides, the western "democracies" aren't really, anymore.

"Capitalist Democracy" is an oxymoron. If the workplace isn't democratic, democracy is a joke.

Corporate Republics:

[PLATO]

Let's see...

Elections in Afghanistan
Elections in Iraq
Libya gives up WMD's
Lebanon demonstrating in the street for democracy
Egypt Changing its constitution to be more democratic
Elections in Palestine.

Yep...Bush and his policies are idiotic.

[Dis]

Originally posted by PLATO
Let's see...

Elections in Afghanistan
Elections in Iraq
Libya gives up WMD's
Lebanon demonstrating in the street for democracy
Egypt Changing its constitution to be more democratic
Elections in Palestine.

Yep...Bush and his policies are idiotic.

do all the dead people on both sides mean nothing to you?

[DanS]

Ukraine
Georgia

[Agathon]

Elections in Afghanistan

"Show" elections. The Afghan government does not control the country.

Elections in Iraq

Have made no difference, just like the Vietnamese "elections" did.

Libya gives up WMD's

Because Gaddafi wanted something in return.

Lebanon demonstrating in the street for democracy

Due to an assassination by God knows whom.

Egypt Changing its constitution to be more democratic.

Long time coming, but perhaps a fig leaf according to reports.

Elections in Palestine.

Pretty much worthless given the circumstances.

Yep...Bush and his policies are idiotic.

Plainly so.