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Politics : War -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Rolla Coasta who wrote (689)	1/21/2001 3:29:34 PM
From: Hawkmoon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 23908

With 900 million uneducated farmers in China to feed the nation, And just how do you think they'll get educated unless you start trusting them at a local level and making political leaders accountable to the people. Am I saying that China should have a national election tomorrow? No. Am I saying that at a local level, such as village councils, mayors, or even provincial levels that elections could/should take place? ABSOLUTELY! Did you ever think that maybe a bunch of these farmers aren't quite as dumb as your elitest rhetoric makes them out to be? Farmers are quite pragmatic, and for the most part, very stoic given their livelihood. The United States ALSO is a country with a strong farming heritage. And many of our farmers were uneducated as well. Yet somehow we managed to be inclusive over time. You are seemingly one of the most elitest individuals I've ever had the opportunity to chat with on SI. Given that you're from China, the land of alleged proletarian equality, I find that quite a contradiction. Forget your Islamic threats Q... the threat you have to worry about most is these festering wound created by the illegitimacy of your government. Let the people have a say and they will get behind the leadership. I'm sure no one has any illusions about creating paradise overnight. But if it isn't the Muslims, it will be the Hindis.. or the Koreans.. or the Japanese.., or the Russians... Illegitimate governments will always find a "threat" which provides a justification for denying the people self-government. But giving them a voice gives them a stake in the outcome. And as Churchill so aptly put it... "Democracy is the worst form of government, EXCEPT for every other kind". It will be messy... there will be mistakes.... Hell, we just got rid of one yesterday as he flew off to NY. But the people are stronger than the government if you attempt to create such a tradition. Regards, Ron