Whodda thunk that Pakistan has a more vibrant democracy than the good ol' USA? Perhaps there's a slight angle to this argument, but consider the roles of Bush 'the Guardian of Democracy' & Musharraf 'The Generalismo'. Now, consider the following:
- Pakistan actually sees demonstrations that aren't composed of vapid demonstrators simply wanting personal attention. In Pakistan the attention often comes from suicide bombers or zealot policemen, yet the heroic lawyers protest on! When's the last time you saw a group of 1000 climbing fences and sucking tear gas in America - other than spoiled brat (F)anarchists?
- The protests actually mean something, as witnessed by the resignation of Musharraf on charges that he violated the constitution. Charges? Back in the good ol' USA the we have legislation (FISA again) which officially acknowledges wrongdoing, but there's nary a twitch on the protest line.
Combine the above with news about the dismal state of American electorate involvement and ability and it suggests that we need a kick in the pants. Hmmm...Musharraf '08?
More hmmms...HS civics students graded on protest involvement? Civil disobedience arrests as pre-req for Polisci degrees?