From: pacodegallo@attbi.com
Date: Tue Oct 01 2002 - 02:05:25 BST
Hi Erin, Nate and Rasheed
> PACO (ON VOTING PARTICIPATION RATES):
> I would argue that this is an inherent STRENGTH of
> democracy. It allows minorities with CONVICTION to
> overcome apathetic majorities.
NATE REPLIED:
Rasheed didn't say this, I did. I must emphasize:
apathy is NOT a strength.
Minorities should not, in my opinion, have that much
influence over such
important things, over so many lives, just because so
much of the population is
apathetic.
PACO:
See my earlier response on this criticism. Democracy
works fine without full participation. Certainly I am
not advocating apathy. I am saying that:
1) people are apathetic, and
2) this gives Democracy the ability to weigh not just
the numbers but the WEIGHT OF CONVICTION. This isn't
always a good thing, nor always a bad thing (but I
suggest good overall -- see "Democracy, Capitalism and
Ralphs Pretty Good Grocery" by J. Mueller for more on
this theme.
Do you have any evidence either that:
1) Democracy (or representative Democracy) works better
at full rates of participation? or
2) What the ideal rate is?
Just wondering.
NATE:
> In this case I honestly don't think it's a
caricature. The man's an idiot (as
> illustrated by Erin's list of his many, many dim-
witted quotes and claims) and a
> poor leader (as observed by most everyone here).
PACO:
Two responses (for you and Erin)
First, I would hate to think of all the stupid things I
have said over the years. God forbid that I had a
microphone to my lips 24/7. I wonder if you or Erin
are so much better? especially if the press had an axe
to grind.
Second, according to your Democracy feelings, you must
see Bush as a heck of leader, as he is approved of by
the majority of apathetic and unapathetic Americans.
For your sake, I hope your view of either Democracy or
Bush is wrong.
Paco De Gallo
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