[atmosx]

Why on Earth are you comparing a suppressive regime to the a western democracy?

Of course the Chinese gov is able to do so without any repercussions. The difference should be that in a democracy you can't abuse your power without repercussions.

[eyeareque]

<i>"The difference should be that in a democracy you can't abuse your power without repercussions."</i>

Do you see the irony? Western governments are abusing their powers.. and they are getting away with it. Democracy means nothing if the government doesn't hold itself accountable.

[dragonwriter]

No, democracy means nothing if the people don't hold the government accountable.

Relying on the government to hold itself accountable makes democracy no different from monarchy.

[eyeareque]

Right, but as long as cable tv works and fast food restaurants are open the mass majority of people won't do anything about it.

[zurn]

Maybe it "should" but democracy and domestic popular opinion doesn't traditionally have a significant impact on US foreign policy. Except for big wars.