May 15th, 2003, 07:25 PM
A pity your browser crashed, it would have been interesting to read what you have to say. I also found myself in agreement with his main points, and have for awhile, though I know I certainly never took my disappointment with democratic ideaology far enough to ecompass its eventual failure and abandonment.
As I see things, you're quite right, once it has been swept away, I see two options; Either Totalitarianism, or anarchy, though not necessary the pure Democracy, as described by Madison in the Federalist Papers and implimented by City-States like Athens.
While it might be theoretically pleasant to envision "100% of the populance" voting, practically I hope it never comes to pass. After all, who can argue with the assertion that in democracies citizens with little invested in the system often make unwise and poorly-informed decisions when voting? Especially when so many live irresponsible lives. Look at the drug problem in the United States, for example, or merely the lives the 'average' Americans lead. Are these the sort of individuals on whom's shoulder should rest the fates of others?
When you speak of Individual Freedom, Helm, forgive me, but I cannot help but think you are referring it as defined by people such as Rousseau and Marx whom hated inequalities .They both generally defined freedom as something which made them free from responsibility, rather than a responsibility in and of itself. For them, freedom meany being able to realize certain higher goods (such as to free and equal participation in political activities, freedom from alienation, etc) and that no power or principality should rule over them. Conversely, I agree with Nietzsche, that in order for human excellence to develop freely there should never be any equality constraint on people: a noble heart should not be put down in order to make it equal to a base heart, people should be allowed to compete freely for power and, naturally, noble people will win the competition and become rulers of human society. I guess, when all is said and done, I'm a proponant for benevolent dictatorships.
I fully intend to address your bottom line, but rather than begin talking about my ass, I'd rather get a more factual basis together first.
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