Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
Are Western states true democracies? Has democracy become a casualty of the financial crisis? Can you have too much democracy? Read on to find out
Democracy is being tested severely in Europe. It's not looking that healthy in America. "The fear is that the political system we’ve relied on in the past might not be up to the task at hand, but it’s the only one we’ve got"
Thought-provoking essay on nature of modern democracy. "We might one day be faced with a choice that at first blush seems impossible: What if 'too much' democracy should become an enemy of 'enough' liberty and human rights?"
International finance is a "new mode of warfare. Its objective is the same as military conquest in times past: To appropriate land and mineral resources, communal infrastructure and extract tribute." Fine essay on debt, democracy
Philosopher answers, by way of Plato. "Current calls for 'less government' actually mean less power for elected leaders and for the bureaucracies that serve them and more power for the 'oligarchy' of millionaires and corporations"
"It is claimed that through open free debate true ideas will conquer false ones by their merit. Democracy thus has an epistemic value as a kind of truth machine." But this is so obviously wrong as to be an embarrassment. Here's why
Banker, ex-Obama adviser, argues for less democracy: "We need to counter the gridlock of our political institutions by making them a bit less democratic ... Aspects of representative government can end up posing serious problems"
On historical attempts to impose democracy in foreign countries. "Is the bloody aftermath of regime change in Afghanistan and Iraq the exception or the rule? Does regime change work? The short answer is: Rarely." Here's why
Essay argues that European politicians have become in thrall to banking giants. Result: "Democracy, after all, is not doing splendidly, or even well. It is gradually becoming a casualty of the financial crisis"
Fine essay on religion, democracy. "It does not make sense to demand religious liberalism or theological reform or a preliminary secularization as a requirement for making religion compatible with democracy." Here's why
Harsh, perceptive global view from dean of Russian foreign policy analysts. Western democracy follows communism into oblivion. Authoritarianism emerges as best form of government. History returns to "customary state of chaos"
Amusing parody of "report" from Tehran juxtaposing Middle East protests and U.S. politics. Intervention may be necessary because "North America is a vital source of uranium, soybeans, situation comedies, and other resources"
"The First Amendment is being stood on its head. Money speaks, and an unlimited amount of it can now be spent bribing and cajoling politicians. Yet peaceful assembly is viewed as a public nuisance and removed by force"
