Comments for Is Democratic Government in Decline? at http://www.asiasentinel.com , comment 1 to 2 out of 2 comments http://www.asiasentinel.com Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:31:14 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4963&Itemid=171#comment-36915 There is a hint of democracy in Switzerland. There used to be in Oz until the nipper traded it for a seat at the top table. I think its still alive in NZ but I doubt one can still pop round to the PM's house for a chat unappointed, as one used to do. Is there a democratic government anywhere else? I come from UK and there is not much hint of it there. 'One man, one vote' appears democratic if you believe the electorate is acquainted with national policy and all the issues of the day. In fact, the economic system ensures few people have time to mull. Sunday trading saw to that. Then there is the forest of views propagated by the media which ensures uncertainty and confusion. The people have no voice in selection of candidates for office – they parachute in from one of the factional 'central offices' with the seal of approval of the local Chamber and Constituency Association representing land-owners and merchants. Hardly anyone knows them. They do not even disclose the principles ordering their lives. The AngloAmerican economic model is under pressure. The concept of infinite economic growth is being questioned. Without real growth we have had to resort to repeated re-hypothecation to simulate it. We keep adding floors onto our skyscraper of derivatives and hope there will be no consequences. Recently the Chancellor requested GBP36 b from the Bank in interest. This must be interest on bonds sent over from the Treasury which the bank has been unable to sell. The face value of the bonds, given a usual level of interest payable, is enormous. If a trillion pounds of debt is being withheld from market in order to maintain the value of those actually sold, it suggests, even with an uninformed electorate, we are likely to have change forced upon us if we do not concede it first. Democracy will flourish when the electorate is educated in its choices and when voters can support someone they know – a school friend or neighbour – in primary assemblies. Today's power centres wish to control everything. They have to confront their fear and trust in the popular will. A democratic government, building on democratic grounds, will doubtless make mistakes until we have become used to it but it could hardly be worse than what we have got. - Hoi Po Loi Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:35:45 +0100 index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4963&Itemid=171#comment-36910 Authoritarian media doomed the economy by paralyzing the governments and absolutizing human right which opened for all out greediness. The prosperity in West during the last 25 years was due to the technology breakthrough (PC and internet), the next round will not come for at least 50 years. Now the only hope that western democracy can survive will be the collapse of China within next 20 years, because the current western democracy doesn't give governments enough power to carry out any significant reforms. - Wahahaa Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:19:54 +0100