I apologize if the following post seems crazy, but I am at least sincere. I'm taking an informal poll; I want to know how people define democracy. What does this word mean and how do we recognize it? What are the indicators?
I do not wish to prejudice anyone's answer by giving my own opinion just yet. Suffice to say, I don't believe that our Republic really qualifies for the title. I am a person who has always rejected the status quo as more or less futile, and to the extent that my small mind and very limited free time allow I have been reading "great books" in an attempt to make some sense out of the madness which surrounds us. Thus far my reading has led me to believe that Montesquieu and Aristotle at least would agree with me. I also like to imagine that "true democracy" would offer real solutions to many of the great problems which plague us.
Anyhow, I'll be happy to read any and all opinions on this important and fundamental question. I will also be happy to elaborate my own opinion on this matter but my responses may not be very timely. I apologize for that.