by k_semler » Sat 11 Jun 2005, 01:34:37
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('PenultimateManStanding', 'T')hank you k_semler, wouldn't you agree that there are emotional associations with the words 'republic' and 'democracy'? Nevermind the associations with "Democrat' and 'Republican,' the words have deeper resonances. I sometimes get the feeling that we can set out to spread 'democracy' around the world while holding the 'republic' right here at home for ourselves.
A lynch mob is a perfect example of the improper situation for a democracy. In a lynch mob, there is only one voice of dissent, the guy at the end of the rope. A criminal court would be an example of a republic. The prosecuting attorney is representing the intrests of the people/state/commonwealth, and the defense attorney is a representitive of the suspect. A jury of the defendant's peers judges the man's innocence or giult, much like non-concerned representitives do when passing a law. Yes, "beyond a reasonable doubt" is far more stringent than "I feel this way", but the principal is the same.
A democracy is not a very good form of governance, because the majority can vote for whatever they would like, and vote in restrictions upon the minority. There is no guidelines for how affairs are conducted, or what rights are inalienable. It is simply the will of the majority determining the outcome. (a lynch mob). However, in a constitutional republic, there are firm guidelines, (which are now often ignored), for the operation of governmental affairs. Due to the enumeration in the constitution, (and bill or rights), it is not possible for the majority to outlaw practicing Islam, or imposing 39 lashings for stealing a loaf of bread. Also, note that the ninth amendment does stipulate that just because a right is not specifically enumerated in the Constitution, does not give grounds for infringment of that right, (freedom to travel, to breathe air, to eat, to free thought, to defend one self using reasonable force, et cetera). This can be seen in any court room across America, (if they are following Article III of the constitution, the fifth, sixth, eighth, and fourteenth amendments{which is required}).
Here Lies the United States Of America.
July 04, 1776 - June 23 2005
Epitaph: "The Experiment Is Over."
Rest In Peace.
Eminent Domain Was The Murderer.