While the war in Afghanistan rages on, with US casualties piling up, a majority of Americans now say the war is not worth fighting (and they're right, of course). One of our proclaimed ultimate goals for the country we invaded is some kind of "democracy", but if "democracy" as practiced in the West is any indication, it has nothing to do with the will of the people being carried out. If it did, we would not be sending more troops into that poor, abused, long-suffering nation.
In other "democracy" news, the LRC blog informs us of French President Sarkozy's proposed carbon tax, which polls showed two-thirds of the French public opposes (and once again, the people have more sense than the "leaders", for any such tax would impose enormous costs on the economy and raise the price of almost everything), but of course, the views of the public matter not to the elite ruling class, who are always determined to see their plans for yet more control over society implemented, regardless of what the people think or want.
Is that what we have planned for the people of Afghanistan and Iraq? The United States has a history of overthrowing democratically elected foreign governments and installing dictators friendly to America. Now our ruling establishment says its mission is "democracy". Frankly, I'm not sure what has changed.
As for "real" democracy, if there is such a thing, I'm opposed to it as well. I don't believe any majority has the right to decide anything for the whole society. You go your way, majority, and let the rest of us alone to live our lives as we choose, in peace. In other words, don't tread on me, and I'll promise not to tread on you.
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