On the Absurdity of "We are not a Democracy, We're a Constitutional Republic" - Robert Arnold

[steelyboo]

As someone who has had this argument with many a moronic right-winger, this is one of the best in-depth explanations I have seen. Well worth the watch!

?si=YJ6HVMjmPaGMm_xK

[William Seger]

1. I blame Rush Limbaugh for popularizing that word game

Rush liked to say, "Words have meaning," but it seemed to be more of a challenge to him than an aphorism.

[Wonder Why]

2. We are a republic

The Pledge of Allegiance when it first existed in 1892: " "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

And Merriam-Webster defines them as virtually the same.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/democracy-and-republic]

I was taught 70 years ago that we are a republic which is a democracy where we elect representatives to make the rules vs. a true democracy where we would directly vote on everything. I remember back in the '70s where my brother lived in NH that they had more of a true democracy in local government. Everyone discussed, argued about and voted on the budget itself. When was the last time you remember voting on anything but a few things and never on the budget! You vote for people who vote on almost everything. You don't even get to vote on U.S. Constitutional Amendments.

But, as M-W says, republics and democracies are considered virtually the same.

So I agree with the video. But I disagree that we should separate the two concepts. There is nothing wrong with being called a republic vs a democracy and those that claim there is a significant difference between the two need to be stopped and answered in no uncertain terms. But those of us who believe in democracy must teach what I was taught. We are a republic because WE elect our representatives. That means ALL OF US, not the rich who buy the election, not the nutcases that try to stress that the difference between republic and democracy is anything but insignificant, and we have a Constitution, not to be a burden to our rights but to insure them against dictators and unconstitutional Supreme Courts who seek, not to insure rights, but to interpret the Constitution to limit them.

[Uncle Joe]

3. Kicked and recommended

Thanks for the thread steelyboo