Brian_P

I believe there are different types of democracy in government.

A couple days ago I was given an article written by the United States Department of State, and it opened my eyes to the propaganda the government uses to "define" democracy. I have been taught from a young age that democracy is the best style or type of government because all others limit or restrict your rights in some way. The article would compare democracy to the radical totalitarianism and claim that people sometimes put false labels of democracy on different ideas. As I read the article it seemed to be more of advertising our style of democracy instead of defining it. It made me believe that democracy is not what gives us rights but how one interperets democracy determines ones rights and how it works. As I continued to read I gradually developed my own interpretation of democracy.

I believe democracy should in some way allow all of its people equal participation in the government whether through voting for representatives or voting on every issue. A democratic government should protect my rights to participate through voting as well as protect my basic rights. I believe democracy should allow for myself and others to be treated equally under the laws it establishes. Obviously interpretation of democracy reflects the United States interpretaion. It allows me to speak my mind and write my mind, as well as lets me have equal rights under the law and freedom to do as I wish without encroaching on others rights. Whether my interpretaion is similar to the United State's because I have been brought up with that style is unknown to me, but I don't doubt that my interpretation of democracy will change over time.

I am not going to lie. When it comes to democracy and my knowledge of our government, I am ignorant. I don't regularly read about what issues are being discussed at congress, or what new bill was just passed. Hopefully by being involved and introduced to to the issusses of our nation and foundation of democracy, I will begin to understand and grasp...