Sharansky's "The Case for Democracy" Anybody read it?

[ermoore]

Yeah, so I'm almost finished reading it now. And I think he makes some good arguments, but was wondering if any of yall had read it and had anything intelligent (this is a key word) to say about it (good or bad)?
I know it's popular in the WH right now and *'s SOTU was definitely influenced by it, but I think there's a lot of very worthwhile matter in here even for (especially for?) progressives today.

[sandnsea]

1. I haven't read it

But Kennedy was the one who first challenged this country to spread democracy. I don't know of any Democrat or progressive who disagrees with the premise that democracy is a preferable form of government. I'm a little concerned that the right seems to be moving towards a frame that the left is anti-democracy. Being against military occupation to form democracy is not the same thing as being against democracy.

The Bush Doctrine is stupid and dangerous on so many levels, but I don't think that should be interpreted to mean that anybody thinks democracy is.

The last line in your post really concerned me in that regard.

[ermoore]

2. The last line.

I mainly put that last line in there on account of there being a lot of people here who would stop brushing their teeth if * put forward a program on dental care.

[manic expression]

3. From what I can tell

Sharansky uses the "spread of democracy" to falsely justify his ill-aims. Ironically enough, most dictators and expansionists have done this (Tojo, Stalin, Hitler, etc...). In my opinion, he makes the theory sound all nice but what he really wants is something MUCH different. Delusion at its purest.

Also, I would like to know how "democracy" has come about from America and Israel. Israel has stripped the Palestinians of their land, freedom, safety and dignity. America has invaded, occupied and oppressed a sovereign country for NO reason; America has set up an occupation and meaningless elections which will NOT help anything in the long run (can you say "Vietnam"?). Our "freedom" has given Iraqis and Palestinians nothing but death, fear, pain, sorrow, despair, subjugation and chaos.

I would like to make a "case for democracy" myself: GIVE THEM THEIR RIGHTFUL LAND AND FREEDOM!

[candle_bright]

4. I'm going to read it

I have a copy but haven't started it yet. Hopefully some fellow DUers who've read it will share their thoughts.

[ermoore]

5. Yeah, that's what I was hoping.

n/m