Why some folks “hate” us

We like to export democracy because we think it is good for people to be “free.”  Now some countries, groups and areas seem to really not like us. Could they possibly have a point?

Suppose a bunch of people who didn’t talk like us, look like us or know much about our history came over here and tried to change how we play football by getting rid of the authority of the coach and the quarterback and insist that on each play all of the players in the huddle would vote on what play to run?  We might call them nuts and resent them for destroying our beloved past time.  Or suppose the same group decreed that all family matters would be decided by a vote where the children’s vote counted the same as the parents’ vote?  Don’t think that would go over too well.
Don’t get me wrong.  I like the American system just fine.  However anyone who thinks democracy will automatically produce better decisions and results than other systems (monarchy, dictatorship, tribal) is a well-intentioned fool.  Remember democracy brought us prohibition, destruction of the Native American way of life, slavery etc.  if other people want democracy and want our help in establishing it, fine.  If not, who are we to impose it?

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