"Democracy passes into despotism." - Plato Just thought I would prelude with that quote. Plato had good reason to dislike democracy though. It killed his mentor because he thought differently than the masses. I don't believe in democracy. It's not a viable system. Ignorant masses controlling everything is destroying this planet. It's also inherently oppressive to the minority. Heck, in most countries less than 50% of the popular vote can give you full control over the government. I mean in Canada, Harper only got about 26% of the eligible vote base (and only 40% of actual voters) and has a majority government. In the US, Bush was elected with less than 50% of the popular vote. As Winston Churchill commented, "The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter." He also stated that it was the best government system that's been tried, so that's the point of my thread. I don't know how many people have read Plato's Republic. In this I see a system that is worth trying. Philosopher Kings/Queens in a sort of Enlightened Oligarchy. Their interest would be to uphold the freedoms of the populace. I think this would be a better system for the reasons I already mentioned. But it would also mean LESS government interference. Less politicians flinging ad hominem attacks and skirting the issues. Less politicians to pay means less taxes paid to them. Instead they would debate concepts with an open mind (hopefully) in the best interest of the population.
