Why the Left Hates Democracy

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Why the Left Hates Democracy

$Dinesh D\$

Posted Dec 28th 2007 1:32PM by Dinesh D'Souza
Filed under: Breaking News, Iraq, Cultural Left, Islamic Radicals, Controversy

In response to my blog yesterday noting that the cultural left opposes democracy in the Muslim world, several people expressed indignation. One challenged me to provide a single example. Others lugubriously noted that they favored the idea of democracy but alas it wasn't succeeding in Iraq. Certainly it does seem odd that a left which is always calling for "more democracy" in America would resist democracy in Muslim countries.

Yet it's true, and my book The Enemy at Home provides chapter and verse. For instance, the leftist author Robert Fisk resolutely opposed America's attempt to introduce democracy in Afghanistan. Incredibly Fisk said that the Taliban government should be kept in power because it had nothing to do with 9/11. Leftist Howard Zinn also equated America's displacement of the Taliban and holding of free elections with the 9/11 attacks themselves, as though both were equivalent crimes. Leftist legal scholar Richard Falk called for a "negotiated settlement" with the Taliban in order to protect the country's "sovereign rights." If leading leftists such as Edward Said, Toni Morison, Jesse Jackson, Barbara Ehrenreich, Jane Fonda and Jim McDermott had their way, the U.S. would not have overthrown the Taliban government and Afghanistan would not have had free elections.

Immediately following the U.S. invasion of Iraq, leftist philanthropist George Soros warned that "I would consider Iraq the last place to choose for a demonstration project" in democracy. Why the Iraqis were ineligible to rule themselves, Soros did not say. When Iraq had its first free election, columnist Bob Herbert said it meant nothing because "a real democracy requires an informed electorate" while the Iraqi people were "woefully uninformed," apparently because they didn't make the choices that Herbert wanted. Leftist columnist Robert Dreyfuss said the Iraqi elections were invalid because "the Sunni community was tricked into voting" and moreover the elected Sunnis "do not represent the resistance." Apparently Dreyfuss thinks car bombers need representation too! Ivan Eland wrote in The American Prospect, "Spreading democracy doesn't reduce terrorism and, if anything, actually makes it worse." How democracy promotes terrorism, Eland neglected to explain.

Notice how the cultural left routinely condemns Bush for "hypocrisy" in using the rhetoric of democracy while the U.S. is allied with secular despots, but very rarely do leftists call for free elections in countries like Syria, Egypt or Saudi Arabia. There was even some cheering on the left when Turkish generals threatened a coup to subvert the elected government from holding free elections a few months ago. So why does the left hate democracy in the Muslim world? The reason is simple. Muslims are socially conservative and generally want a greater role for Islam in their private and public lives. Consequently Muslim democracies are likely to be more conservative socially than they are when secular despots rule them. The left fears Muslim democracy because it is terrified of Muslim values, especially sharia or Muslim holy law. Feminists and gays are not likely to fare very well under Muslim holy law.

When Iraqis rejected secular candidates and voted for a party that pledged to have sharia, at least in some forms of domestic law, the New York TImes howled that democracy could be "consigning Iraqi women to a life of subjugation." Columnist Maureen Dowd warned that "the Iraqi election may actually be making things worse" because "it is going to expand the control of the Shia theocrats." These complaints might have some plausibility if women or Sunnis were not permitted to vote. But women and men both voted for the Dawa party, and so essentially the Times and Dowd were arguing that if Iraqis don't want equal roles for men and women, their democracy is a sham.

Bush's attempt to introduce democracy to Iraq, and to expand the role of democracy in Egypt, Lebanon and Pakistan, is a brave and noble experiment. It might fail, and past historical experience is not promising. But if Bush succeeds we could see the beginning of an historical transformation no less significant than the transformation of the old Soviet Union. No wonder the left, not usually given to supplication, is praying very ardently this Christmas season that Bush does not succeed. If democracy fails, in Iraq and elsewhere, there is the added benefit that Democrats will have a better chance to take the White House in 2008.

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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 27)

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1. DD: "Bush's attempt to introduce democracy to Iraq..."

Wait a minute, I thought he was protecting us from an immanent attack with weapons of mass destruction. No, wait, it was to dismantle active programs to produce weapons of mass destruction. No, wait, it was to introduce democracy. Ah, yes, that was it!

DD: "... is a brave and noble experiment."

I would say a cynical imperial power grab, gone haywire.

DD: "No wonder the left, not usually given to supplication, is praying very ardently this Christmas season that Bush does not succeed."

Bush and his cohorts failed on their own. Don't try to pass it off on anyone else, you pitiful neo-con apologist!

Joe Bob at 2:35PM on Dec 28th 2007

2. Dinesh; democracy at the tip of a sword is not democracy. I'm a big time lefty and I don't hate or oppose democracy anywhere. I just don't think we should force it down anyone else's throat.

Ryan Anderson at 2:40PM on Dec 28th 2007

3. Dinesh . . . left leaning liberals don't oppose democracy in Muslim countries, they oppose Muslims!
Muslims are a dangerous lot. They behead people. They believe God wants them to kill in his name. Is this food for democracy? I think not.

THERE IS NO GOD.

Daniel Mullane at 2:44PM on Dec 28th 2007

4. The problem with talking about "democracy" is that all it really means is the power to vote, but when most people talk about democracy, they mean it to be Western-style free society.

Democracy in the Muslim world has been generally Muslims voting for Islamists, like Hamas. That was democracy in action, folks!

If we "establish democracy" in the Middle East, and they decide to elect Shari'a governments, what exactly have we accomplished?

David at 2:48PM on Dec 28th 2007

5. We don't have democracy at home to export. The last two presidential elections were stolen.

Clif Kuplen at 2:48PM on Dec 28th 2007

6. Dinesh,democracy is great,but for it to be effective,people have to really see the need for it.Big reason why democracy gets a bad rap in most Arab countries is that they see it as an imposition down their throats.
However,democracy in the middle east is not a lost cause.Just get the people to realise how good it is,and you have a democratic society.
Finally,most people in the mid-east have been under one man-benevolent dictatorship for centuries.IT takes time for such people to get used to the idea of voting for their leaders.Unlike you Americans,who have been used to some form of democracy from the earliest days of your nation.
In summary,the work of 200 years cannot be replicated in a few years.It takes time,and it takes convinced hearts,

aniekan thomas at 3:01PM on Dec 28th 2007

7. D.D. says the LEFT hates Muslim holy law? Woe, news to me..seems to me the religious fundamentalists in this country are the ones who want to either convert or kill every Muslim..
One need only read this blog and others to see that..go to any blog or web site that contains comments and listen to the conservatives rant on and on about their hatred of Muslims..ALL muslims..

David S. at 3:07PM on Dec 28th 2007

8. It is interesting to note that all of the previous comments are from left wing liberals that have decided to defend their position based on emotional opinions and not much else. The truth is, I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. Democracy in Iraq is a threat to Liberals in a sense that, if it succeeds, it means that all the mud slinging that they have been hauling at the Republicans about the failure of the war, the needless violence and the alterior oil-grabbing motive, will be for nothing, and admitting defeat will not be an option I imagine. The sad truth is that it seems as if politicians have turned the freedom and democracy of a previously tyrant-controlled country into a political melee for the sake of proving a point. Iraq deserves freedom as much as we do.

And, not to sum up the events of an extremely complicated and important war, but Democracy is not fought by principle alone, and Revolutionary War proves that. Democracy has always been earned at the end of a sword, and if we did not have the French's swords (well, canons, soldiers and money), we would still be hailing the Queen of England.

And that is my two cents.

Jessica at 3:10PM on Dec 28th 2007

9. the only stealing in the last two elections was what dems tried to do.fact1. after polls closed in florida and votes first counted bush had majority
fact2.narrow enough margin(a few thousand votes)thatflorida constitution said there must be a recount,norequest needed.fact3.the one and ONLY recount florida constitution said must be made was made and bush still winner THANK GOD.fact4 florida supreme ALL DEMS instituted more recounts thus trying to stealelectionfrom bush.these are the facts. stop lying by saying bush stole it.

felix at 3:16PM on Dec 28th 2007

10. Dinesh,

I realize that exposing democratic ideas to the Middle East is a complicated issue and all Americans should be rooting for it to succeed. But what gets me is hatred and name calling from the left (Joe Bob with his "pitiful neo-con apologist" label of you) or the whining (Clif Kuplen's "last 2 elections were stolen"). I didn't like Clinton the man, but respected his position and never attacted him on a personal level. I guess that is the difference between a conservative and a liberal.

steve at 3:18PM on Dec 28th 2007

11. http://evolutionfacts.blogspot.com

prffsrx at 3:20PM on Dec 28th 2007

12. Dinesh,

I find your columns always offensive and extremists, but perhaps that is your goal. I cannot speak for all the “lefties” however, I am not anti democracy. I am pro common sense which our current administration seems to lack. There was a right way to accomplish the American mission in Iraq of establishing democracy with minimal cost of life and without unprecedented spending. However the current administration has chosen to alienate all the individuals they employed with extensive knowledge of Middle East culture, politics, and battle field experience. Their arrogance has led to a complete circus and out of control spending. It is important to be decisive, however if one allows his arrogance to shadow all common sense and intellectual thought, one should not be the leader of the free world.

Furthermore it is appallingly ironic that you continually use the Lord as a means to promote yourself, your books, and your hate. It is completely against religious values to spew hate in the name of God. Furthermore do not tie you politics in with religion. I am religious; however this is a secular state and if you would like to live in a religious state move to Iran. Religion has absolutely nothing to do with being a democrat or republican. I do not believe you are religious at all. I believe this is an act, a tactic to earn popularity through controversy and polarization. This county needs to mend. What it does not need is extremist like you ranting hate and further polarizing this country with your extreme posts. You should be ashamed of yourself. What does your mama think about you using God as a tool?

Gwen at 3:28PM on Dec 28th 2007

13. After the death of Benazir Bhutto, I am sure that these YOUNG TURKS (who take advantage of the freedoms that we have in America all the while criticizing Jews, Christians, and the average American citizen) realize that by disfiguring the God of the Bible so they can justify
the actions of AlQueda reveals their OWN ties to TERRORISM. But will these “YOUNG TURKS” turn themselves in for their own “hate-crimes” (which is how the politically correct socialist
architects would call it “except” for when their cronies do it.)

Even today these “young Turks are new breed of Islamic Extremists try the justify these terrorists behavior by taking the words of Jesus out of context so that they can inspire Islamic extremist cells within America as they are doing in Europe. These “Young Turks” are even now hard-pressed and desperate to find an example of a Jewish or Christian suicide bomber who has been duped into believing at in heaven they will be given a thousand young virgins whom they are free to rape for an eternity. These YOUNG TURKS merely attempt to DISTRACT the American public from noticing their religion that specifically condones pedophilia on earth and in their so-called paradise. Young Muslim men have become duped because their Imams (Islamic religious leaders) promise them an eternity of having the desires of own will and will be able to victimize others with their own lust. This PROVES THAT ALLAH IS NOT HOLY AND NOT JUST. It really sounds like a big CON job that even these YOUNG TURKS will DEFEND. I speak from experience when I tell you that the writings and television program composed by the these Young Turks are designed to lull the average American to sleep by making light of the terrorism issue and any person who comes up with solutions to defend America in order to artificially create the conditions of indifference and apathy within its citizen necessary for an Islamic cell invasion within US borders. Their strategy worked in the European Nations. Today the European nations have no backbone and are riddled with fear because they have been mentally conditioned to concede to these invading bullies or some sort of unknown Czar who will gladly keep them and their children in a constant state of oppression. So keep laughing America with these YOUNG TURKS. Russia, China and the Islamic fascists are now knocking on your back door.

AS FORMER MUSLIM I declare to you, Muhammad was, is, and forever will be a False Prophet!!! Muhammad had a demon. That's why he encouraged his followers to serve the moon god idol who demanded the killing others as they kill themselves, also pillage and destroy their neighbors. Muhammad’s miracles were false as well as his words.

What do terrorist imams say now after their own natural disaster! WILL THEY NOW TELL THEIR PEOPLE THAT ALLAH IS ANGRY WITH THEM MORE THAN THE US BECAUSE OF THEY ARE THE CHILDREN OF SATAN WHO BLOW UP THE INNOCENT AND CUT OFF PEOPLES HEADS?

Muslims and Arabs, now acknowledging the violent and barbaric inception and the devilish beliefs of their religion, are now in a race to redefine what they stand for today. As a result, they are now forced to disregard the teachings of Muhammad (founder of Islam).

http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/moongod.htm

LET's ALL TAKE VOTE ABOUT THESE YOUNG TURKS. Your vote counts (as
long as they do not threaten it with censorship.)

Question: Why do you think these YOUNG TURKS so enamored by Bin Laden?

1) They feel that Bin Laden would be the best leader of America.
2) They use Bin Laden as a sick way of making light of terrorism so they can foster an attitude of indifference and apathy among media gullible american citizens in order to discourage a unified response to defend ourselves.

3) They honestly believe in Bin Laden's philosophy and therefore seek to ridicule and taunt anyone who threatens him in any way.

4) Bin Laden himself is one of the Young Turks largest financial contributors that keep them in business.

5) All of the Above.

Place your vote here!

http://www.theyoungturks.com/story/2007/12/28/6333/9485/Diary/YOUNG-TURKS-IN-BED-WITH-BIN-LADEN

Emir Chavez at 3:37PM on Dec 28th 2007

14. ..you are just one more know-it-all true believer for whom everyone not towing your line is the enemy. This kind of stuff so rampant on talk radio and in so-called "conservative" blogs is antithetical to freedom and to democracy. The closed mind is the very small mind. The "left" is not the enemy, nor is the "right"---the enemy is the refusal to ever consider the merits of opposing views. We are all Americans and we need to open, not further close, our minds.

mary at 3:38PM on Dec 28th 2007

15. "The left fears Muslim democracy because it is terrified of Muslim values, especially sharia or Muslim holy law. Feminists and gays are not likely to fare very well under Muslim holy law."

Actually, I'd say "The Left" probably dislikes democracy as the rights of the minority are completely at the whim of the majority. This, of course, is what DD apparently wants. What a pity for him that the USA is a federal republic, rather than a straight democracy.

John at 3:40PM on Dec 28th 2007

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