From: glevy@pratt.edu
Date: Tue Mar 11 2008 - 10:24:07 EDT
>> Democracy has historically taken different forms in different social >> formations and that is a fact. At issue is: who decides which form? >> Is it the workers and poor themselves, the intelligentsia, or some >> other group? > The original meaning and forms of the term has to be determined by > historical research. Then it is a matter of opinion of how inclusive the > term should be. I prefer being more precise here, calling it 'classical > democracy' which has two distinguishing features: decision making by an > Assembly of citizens and representative bodies drawn by lot. Hi Dave Z: So, 'classical democracy' wasn't also distinguished by the denial of democratic rights to slaves and women? Taken within the long view - especially as it relates to the empowerment of women - the United Socialist Party of Venezuela is far more democratic than Athenian democracy ever was. In solidarity, Jerry _______________________________________________ ope mailing list ope@lists.csuchico.edu https://lists.csuchico.edu/mailman/listinfo/ope
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