Democracy: more than just the vote - Reader comments at The New York Sun

Submitted by Scott Baker, May 4, 2007 12:08

People seem to forget that even in America - birthplace of modern democracy - the vote was orginally only granted to property owning white men. Our founders were correctly worried that the ignorant masses with no stake in society would vote as a dangerous mob for short term gains, not for the betterment of the country. As pertains to Turkey, we are seeing the decline of education and modernization, and the disparticipation of large numbers of disenfranchised poor people. These people will vote for anyone who provides them security, at any cost, and fills their bellies, again at any cost, though not to them. After last night's Republican debate, I fear America may be headed down the same theocratic road - 3 of the candidates don't even know enough about science to support evolution! We can hardly lead the world with ignoramousus like this running our country. Look what it has gotten us so far.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
It is shameful that you have posted such a terrible, discriminating article. He should have preached democracy not military intervention. [MORE]	selcuk gul	May 5, 2007 12:12
The problem is that most people do not understand what democracy means: it is not just a ballot box. In... [MORE]	Baris Tarim	May 30, 2007 19:02
The Turkish prime ministers tricks are similar to those used by Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, Correa in Ecuador and some... [MORE]	leah	May 4, 2007 19:12
People seem to forget that even in America - birthplace of modern democracy - the vote was orginally only granted...	Scott Baker	May 4, 2007 12:08
Its is sad and pathetic how the AK party takes advantage of the uneducated, people of Turkey and uses religion... [MORE]	Feride	May 4, 2007 12:02
Seculars in Turkey are majority Muslims. Islamist ideology is supported by a minority of Turkish people. The AKP that got... [MORE]	Umut	May 4, 2007 08:59
I live in Turkey and I have been following developes very closely both with the Turkish press as well as... [MORE]	David	May 4, 2007 03:23
Ibrahim is right on target with this column. In a democracy you just can't let the wrong people win elections...I... [MORE]	Martin	May 4, 2007 02:50
Man, your views on Turkey are so misguided, I don't know where to start. You clearly don't have a clue... [MORE]	Steven Devijver	May 4, 2007 02:28
At last some sensible comentator after reading rubish from European and American news agencies. [MORE]	Franz	May 4, 2007 02:13