I'm not entirely sure that the U.S. citizens actually aspire to democracy. The founders of the nation found it an expedient philosophy but they were careful not to let voters directly elect the president and they were very careful about who they were going to let vote.

U.S. citizens today—like people in all industrialized countries—don't actually experience very much democracy. They grow up in families or institutions that aren't democratic, they go to work for companies that aren't democratic, they worship at churches that aren't democratic and they become comfortable and skillful at managing their position within a rigid power structure.

Corporate minions would be in big trouble if their rewards were actually in line with their contributions or abilities. Americans want to use politics in the same way they manipulate corporate hierarchy. They talk about efficiency in government in the same terms they talk about efficiency in production then they equate lack of debate with efficiency. Americans are looking for a sure thing or at least the perceived possibility of getting a sure thing. The last thing most Americans want is a system in which they might acquiesce in one area in order to gain in another. A large percentage of Americans are both selfish and lazy combined with a large measure of avarice.

One of the really laughable lines you hear from Americans is "I'm an independent, I have no party affiliation." All that means is that they exercise no control or influence whatever over the choice of candidates in an election. It sounds high-minded and fair but not only do these people shirk responsibility, they provide no input into the party platforms that should be the basis for electoral choice.

With the exception of thoughtful folks here on this forum, I think Americans get about what they really want.

      - Mark