America, a democracy?

[CK]

In my honest opinion, it is obvious that while America always spoke of equality and being democratic, it never was despite the encouraging and tremendous improvements that it did make in its whole history.

The problem is, however, there are still very disturbing points about the American society that bothers me even till now. Clearly, while white Europeans can assimilate into the American pretty easily because they are to put it plainly whites, the other hyphenated Americans are still being looked at differently.

The thing is, I do not really know what is going on since I have only skimmed the surface now and based most of my theories on history. But, what is happening to the poor, the homosexuals, the Hispanics and Afro-Americans and the constant attacks on immigration and recent attack on Turban wearing people?

Would you as an American acknowledge that its a tough struggle for democracy or would you say that my opinions are unfounded?

[Lu Xun]

Sadly, what you said is true. As much as we go on about democracy, our country is driven by capitalism and greed, the people in power (rich whites) are doing all the can to keep other groups from seizing power. The trouble is, it is difficult to change things when people are apathetic to the injustices going on right now in our own country.

I advise anyone who sees injustice to do something about it, whether by action of voicing your opinion to someone in a position of power. Yes, it is true that you can't beat the system (as an individual), but you can change it for the better, you can weaken the system so that others can assist you inn you task of making our world a better place for us all.
*steps down from soap box because lunch break is over* ^_^

[Sun jian]

Sadly, what you said is true. As much as we go on about democracy, our country is driven by capitalism and greed, the people in power (rich whites) are doing all the can to keep other groups from seizing power. The trouble is, it is difficult to change things when people are apathetic to the injustices going on right now in our own country.

I advise anyone who sees injustice to do something about it, whether by action of voicing your opinion to someone in a position of power. Yes, it is true that you can't beat the system (as an individual), but you can change it for the better, you can weaken the system so that others can assist you inn you task of making our world a better place for us all.
*steps down from soap box because lunch break is over* ^_^

i agree with you about each of us doing our part but i think this country wouldn't have those problems if it was ran like England. or they would've been resolved by now. democracy takes too long to make decisions but i personally favor monarchy as a government. we're all free to our opinions and that's mine.

[Lion's Mane]

Well, other than the simple fact that America is a Republic and not a Democracy doesn't change my views.

The elected officials (hence the Republic and not the Democracy) get in power nowadays by slander and making their opponents look worse than them. Especially true in the state I live in are party loyalties, this one based off of Mormonism. Almost everyone in the state votes Republican. Nevermind that the other guy may have better views, ideas, or what have you. I'm sorry to say, as far as Utah goes, that Constitutional issue of the seperation of church and state does not exist. If the church says vote for someone, almost every member votes for someone.

As was said in a class I attended in college, there is a myth that anyone can become President of the United States. However, that's exactly what it is, a myth. Not even mentioning the "requirements" for being president (which, if anyone can become president, why require anything, which is my point), you have absolutely no chance if your family isn't well-to-do, and you've not attended an Ivy League school.

As Lu Xun said, the country is based off of capitalism. Our national bank was founded BY the rich and wealthy. While it was closed by various presidents over the years, the fact is, the entire government runs off of debt, and the wealthy have a vested interest in the survival of the government. Though that would be interesting to see what happens to them if our government crashes.

Anyway, in general terms, I'd call America a Capitalism. It's a wholly consumer based government, where the wealthy do hold the power. I really do think we've lost the vision of what the British colonists rebelled against.

[Travis]

America wasn't a democracy to begin with, the Founding Fathers themselves thought it was a ridiculous governing system. They orginally set up a Republic/Representative Democratic System.

[CK]

I would like to believe that I know the USA is a republic and that is its political foundation. The issue is why would it address democratic notions and ideals while not doing enough.

Perhaps I should use the term democratic republic to prevent future confrontations and mislead concepts.

[Chen Kun]

after experiencing myself,I have to admit that America is quite democratic,but maybe after black september,the situation is changing

[Lu Fengxian]

America is, under the current regieme a Pultocratic Idiocracy (or rule by the stupid rich), but thats just my views.

[rcsha]

America is, under the current regieme a Pultocratic Idiocracy (or rule by the stupid rich), but thats just my views.

That's cute...I like that title.

Nonetheless, America was founded on the basis of being a Replublic. It's not even democratic in it's elections...the President is decided by the electoral vote...a group of people picked out by the government to decide the Ruler of the country. That's not democratic...that's about as reduntant as you get. The President decides one who gets to decide on who to become President (admittingly it's not that simple but still, lol).

Here's a rundown of meanings:
Democracy-A government run by the people, themselves.
Republic-A Goverment run by people, who are chosen from withint the common populace.

Henceforth, America is truly not a Democracy. The only Democratic thing that we have is the mindless voting we do...

[Jiang Zhi]

That's why you ppl can come to Canada ^_^ FREE PASSPORTS!!! ^___^