freediver wrote on Mar 31
st, 2013 at 6:14pm:
Quote:it would appear that you actively support a dictatorship.
Perhaps you should stick to what I actually say.
Quote:at the moment you are looking and sounding exactly like the Hitler example you invoked previously.
Democracy gave us Hitler. It did not remove him.
freediver, I agree. The Germans voted for a dictator. They voted for a mass-murderer. They voted for the instigator of the Holocaust. This is a great example of how "democracy" isn't a fool-proof system. This is why checks and balances exist. This is why we have separation of powers. This is why we have constitutional law and put limits on the powers that the police have to arrest and detain people, limits on the military, limits on the Head of State and executive branch. Democracy isn't enough. You need good laws and you need rule of law.
longweekend58 wrote on Mar 31
st, 2013 at 7:31pm:
even more pathetic that usual. this is a thread in which you have clearly expressed that democracy - ie the will of the people - is not the final arbiter of what should happen. in addition you say that there is a higher arbiter but you decline to say what that is. Your understanding of democracy is pitiful and your support for undemocratic rule is a disgrace.
There are several good reasons why "democracy" should not be the final arbiter. They are what freediver suggested, it is when the people wish for something that does not uphold the values of liberty and humanity. If the purpose of democracy is to vote for people who uphold these values and the people want something contrary to the values of liberty and humanity, then the government must not do what the people want. Here is what freediver posted:
freediver wrote on Mar 31
st, 2013 at 6:09pm:
longweekend58 wrote on Mar 31
st, 2013 at 6:02pm:
then what IS above democracy? Ive said that God is but other than Him. exactly who or what do you suggest is above democracy
Liberty. Democracy. Humanity. Sound familiar?
Quote:and how is that super-democratic rule imposed or decided?
Undemocratically.
Like freediver said, the values of humanity and liberty must be upheld undemocratically and I agree with that.
longweekend58 wrote on Mar 31
st, 2013 at 7:39pm:
Liberty is just a word. without a construct to give it power and force, it is still just a word. Democracy grants that while whatever system you support, does not.
The whole point of democracy is to vote for people who will do your bidding. If we want liberty, let's hope our preferred candidates give us liberty. They are agents that act on our behalf. You don't need a "mechanism" built into the system to create "liberty" when you've got people installed in parliament to advocate for it. That's how the system works.
longweekend58 wrote on Mar 31
st, 2013 at 7:39pm:
It is liberty that says that no government has the right to impose policies on the people that the majority want.
Liberty is about freedom to act, not about whether or not someone imposes policies on your country. You still have your freedom to act. You can protest as much as you like. Your freedom is not being inhibited. Shout as loud as you want. Make as much noise as possible. You won't be arrested.
longweekend58 wrote on Mar 31
st, 2013 at 7:39pm:
you have set to tell us what your opinion is on whether or not labor should repeal the CT in the face of an overwhelming and undeniable mandate. and if a massive electoral win is not enough would a plebiscite asking that very question suit you? you are the one that champions direct democracy so would DD voting to be rid of the CT be okay with you?
Thanks for getting back to the point.