dreamshark

Sure, most Americans have too many things. But some things are better than others. What's a thing that you own that has more than proved its worth year after year? It might be something you use every day, or just something that is always the perfect thing when you need it. Something you may take for granted, but would never want to be without. (Multiple entries are allowed.)

I mused on this question this morning as I ground the beans for my morning coffe for what must be at least the 5000th time in my little electric Jericho coffee grinder: definitely the best present I ever received. It was a surprise Mother's Day gift from Richard and the kids so long ago that

ambertatge could hardly wait to tell me how they walked all the way around the lake to the coffee store to buy it for me. At least 15 years later, it's still whirring away, grinding a handful of beans at a time for the freshest coffee possible. Thanks, kids!

I've been thinking about this question for the last few days. I would love to know what other thoughtful people think about it.

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How does a society move from authoritarian government to democracy? (using the broadest definition of democracy: roughly "of the people, by the people and for the people.")

1) Has any country ever moved directly from totalitarianism to something approximating democracy without going through at least a generation of something else in between? Is there more than one path to democracy? Are there prerequisites for democracy to work, and what are they?

2) Is it ever possible to impose democracy on another country? (leaving aside the question of whether or not it is desirable. The question is: is it possible?)

3) Is it possible for one country to foster democracy in another country, while still leaving it up to them when or if they want to take the step?

These are not rhetorical questions or invitations to a polemic. Surprisingly, the answer to #2 is "yes." There is one obvious example. It took me quite a while to think of it, but Richard got it immediately.

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Entries tagged with thought questions

What's the best thing that you own?

Where Does Democracy Come From?

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