Ramsey,
Thanks for the rephrase. I do not quite know how to answer. I think the U.S. is , or has been, an engine of commerce for the world for some time now. To what extent we can say that is related to democracy will take a far more eloquent pundit than I.
However I will say that IMO a free market, or perhaps (a more free market is a better term) has been the basic construct of world wide economic growth. Now we see a considerable amount of backlash crying "foul" because of alleged abuses of the free market system. Mahatir, for example, stated clearly in a recent speech, "We can no longer adhere to the philosophy, or basic rules, of a free market." Note, he didn't say, "we need new rules to stop the abusers". He said we cannot abide the basic tenets and philosophy of a free market. But in truth, what abuses led to the problems we see today? Let me ask you a rhetorical question: Do you belive the problems the world's economies face are due to hedge funds? Solely?
So back to your question with still another question. Which brand of democracy are we talking about? After all, last time I looked, Malaysia claimed to have a democratic system, and by comparison to some they do. But they also have an Internal Security Act that allows them to detain anyone for as long as they want without charging them. They use it quite frequently actually. That isn't a brand of democracy I could vouch for.
So I guess my answer is no. But I do think free market tenets, with appropriate rules of conduct (we call them laws, yes?) is the only system that will out. And I belive that, ultimately, truth and honesty are still worth aspiring for. Though I confess, Diogenes had better not waste any time on world leaders.
I also want to confess that I think the brand of democracy in the USA, with all its tarnish, is still the best system in the world.
Best,
Stitch |
