Election '06: Prognostication.

[SlaveNoMore]

Flinty_McFlint
I guess my definition of democracy differs. That's cool, you're still tops with me.

I'm thinking you believe more in the Venezuelan model, no?

[Gattigap]

Originally posted by SlaveNoMore
They already have democracy in Iraq. Free and open elections.

I don't think you said what you really meant.

linky

• Former House Speaker Newt Ginrich says that in its efforts to promote democracy, the Bush administration has failed to explain the full meaning of democracy, beyond free elections.
  
  "The rule of law, independent judges, the right of free speech, the ability to fire those to whom you loan power and private property -- unless you have all five of those in place, you don't have a viable democracy," Gingrich says.

[ltl/fb]

Originally posted by Gattigap
linky

• Former House Speaker Newt Ginrich says that in its efforts to promote democracy, the Bush administration has failed to explain the full meaning of democracy, beyond free elections.
  
  "The rule of law, independent judges, the right of free speech, the ability to fire those to whom you loan power and private property -- unless you have all five of those in place, you don't have a viable democracy," Gingrich says.

Does Gingrich have some kind of influential leadership/policy role with the Rs? I'm genuinely curious. Or is he just Mr. Contract With America and Mr. Left His Wife When She Had Cancer?

[nononono]

Originally posted by Gattigap
linky

• Former House Speaker Newt Ginrich says that in its efforts to promote democracy, the Bush administration has failed to explain the full meaning of democracy, beyond free elections.
  
  "The rule of law, independent judges, the right of free speech, the ability to fire those to whom you loan power and private property -- unless you have all five of those in place, you don't have a viable democracy," Gingrich says.

I'd agree with that. People seem to expect (or media reports in such a way that implies that people seem to and should expect) that once elections happen, it should all fall into place. Thta's just step one, and in most instances merely the first significant symbol of a step in the right direction. But our government well knows that, or we wouldn't still be there.

[SlaveNoMore]

Gattigap
linky

• Former House Speaker Newt Ginrich says that in its efforts to promote democracy, the Bush administration has failed to explain the full meaning of democracy, beyond free elections.
  
  "The rule of law, independent judges, the right of free speech, the ability to fire those to whom you loan power and private property -- unless you have all five of those in place, you don't have a viable democracy," Gingrich says.

I find it utterly refreshing whenever a Democrat quotes Newt Gingrich as some leading light of democratic principles.

[Gattigap]

Originally posted by SlaveNoMore
I find it utterly refreshing whenever a Democrat quotes Newt Gingrich as some leading light of democratic principles.

I'm a split-ticket voting Independent, but I'm still glad to hear of your refreshed and spring-like feeling.

Quoting the Gingriches of the world from time to time at least helps squelch the screams of bias.

[Gattigap]

Originally posted by ltl/fb
Does Gingrich have some kind of influential leadership/policy role with the Rs? I'm genuinely curious. Or is he just Mr. Contract With America and Mr. Left His Wife When She Had Cancer?

No policy role, but at least moderately influential in some GOP circles, far as I can tell. He's Mr. Nostalgia For Conservatives Who Remember The Revolution, and Upcoming Firebrand Candidate for 2008.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Close this thread and merge/move the recent posts into politics.

[Flinty_McFlint]

Originally posted by SlaveNoMore
I'm thinking you believe more in the Venezuelan model, no?

Venezuelan models, yes, Venezuelan government models, no. Not everyone who disagrees with you is an extremist, honey.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
Close this thread and merge/move the recent posts into politics.

Agreed, but I'm not going to bother to do the merge, so that people looking for the prognostications can find them easily. (My self-interest here is obvious.) If you disagree, PM me.