Self-determination

I think "democracy" is another one of those words we should retire due to overuse and abuse. Based on an ancient Greek taxonomy and formulated by 18th century intellectuals, our notion of "democracy" -- as exported to Iraq (and anywhere else we can infest) -- is only the blueprint for an administrative machine: constitution / political subdivisions / campaigns / elections / laws / bureaucracy, etc..

But the concept that the framers sought to embody in that term is not really about laws and elections. It's about self-determination -- taking your life into your own hands and being responsible for it. Remember "No taxation without representation"? It's wasn't ultimately about the tax, it was about having a role in making the decisions.

Self-determination is not the sole province of "westerners" or Euroamerican culture. But it only works for people of strong character. Weak people are easily led and abdicate their responsibility for making their own decisions. And no culture has a corner on the market for strength of character.

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them...