What is democracy?

Democracy is a concept, a concept which is defined by todays terms as having 'freedom' to express one's opinion, and generally do what you like within the natural constraints of society (laws).

In todays world it is widley accepted in western culture that democracy is 'good', the ultimate ideal for any person to want to achieve/be a part of, anyone who sees faults in democracy is 'stupid', 'insane', 'ignorant' or is 'morally inadequate'.

Because we are brought up on this culture of democracy lovin' we tend not to see some of the downfalls, or see them as being wrong and ignorant of the poeple portraying them.

The main problem is democracy is that the the rule of the majority often translates into the current opinion/fashion/deception/ignorance/ideals of society that are not neccisarily true/smart/informed/.

In todays world as always, information is translated to the people through different medium's each with its own agenda's. The most obvious example in today's world is mass media, which controls much of the opinions of the 'civilized' world.

Because of the control of the majority, which is really controlled by current fashions and the media, todays governments do things and say things to keep themselves in office and not neccesarily for long term benefits or what would be in the interests of humanity. Basically they go with the flow.

Many great thinkers have spoke about democracy; Aristotle called it one of three "evil" forms of government (the other two being ochlocracy and tyranny), Socrates said it was flawed because it surrendered the direction of  the people's destinies to men who where not equiped to handle them and that it assumed all were equally morally just. I personally like Winston Churchill's take on Democracy the best:

"Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried."

           

Edited by Mr Bobo

Democracy is where a citizen has freedom of speach,right to vote and to be voted,��� �������� ��� ����������(eklegein kai eklegesthai).Democracy is where citizens,the Dimos,control their lives and decide for their future and for their state.Democracy means human rights.In my opinion you do not born a citizen of a state,but you become one.And that's our mistake.Only those who interest for the koina and fight for their fellow citizens deserve to be called citizens.A proper citizen must know the word respect:respect to other cultures,points of view,respect to people's right for knowledge,sth very rare nowadays.In democracy the majority decides,but the minority has the right to express her stance and to change the majority's point of view.