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Biff, Don’t confuse people with facts.
DIBS, Venezuela is like that because it is Venezuela. There aren’t any really good counter-examples, given the current popularity of democracy, but for a comparison you should imagine Britain or Sweden or The Netherlands if their versions of democracy hadn’t taken hold.
Chevez is demonized by the US because he tried to spread the wealth of the large oil companies to the people. Again, when US economic interests are threatened abroad, America demonizes the leader.
“rights and democracy do not necessarily correlate.”
I was referring to the point of formation of the strong state, which is voluntary, driven by the undesirability of living in the state of nature.
That voluntary nature is what I was referring to as ‘democratic’.
“Etson – rights and democracy do not necessarily correlate.”
True. America likes to think of itself as this wonderful democracy, but, as Lech pointed out at 10:14, we really have little choice over anything. The two major parties are more similar than most admit or realize and the United States has historically been amongst the worst violators of human rights, certainly internationally. Where there’s an economic interest abroad, the US will do what they have to do to share in that interest, regardless of the human impact. Their claim that they’re trying to spread democracy is one big sham.
i was talking about snobble when i quoted cher
Why was Paladino so “off”, really surprising. I expected him to come out swinging. He wasn’t ready for the first question, and he never rallied after that.
lechacal, feel free to move to Venezuela under Chavez and see how great life is. Get a nice place though so I can visit. Venezuelan guys are HOT and probably VERY cheap given the currency fall down there.
“By Butterfly on October 19, 2010 10:26 AM
those that are insecure about their own intelligence often are the ones constantly questioning other peoples intelligence. – Cher”
Oh I’m incredibly insecure about my own intelligence. You all know that. No surprises there. But that doesn’t mean I’m not right.