Jojo: You say we are missing the point yet you are the one misquoting statistics left and right.
There are over 30 million jews in the world. There are about 14 million jews between New York and Israel alone. You’re close with the stats on Christianity but I think your stat on Islam is pretty off too.
Oh yeah, not to mention that almost everyone said that his idea was ridiculous. Please read the thread before responding. I know it takes a while but it is well worth it when formulating your response to it.
Now their numbers may be inaccurate, but they at least seem to have made an effort at a scholarly approach.
That aside, 30 million or 18 million, I agree that the numbers are pretty immaterial. I still don’t understand what the OP’s original point was supposed to prove ( I have my suspicions actually, but since he/she hasn’t been explicit, I’m not going to sling accusations ).
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by istara *
[assertion made that the following nations are democracies]
Lebanon? - Lebanon is, in form and within imposed constraints, a vigorous democracy. However, the constraints are very narrow and externally imposed. Lebanon is effectively a client state of Syria, and the final word is that of Syria’s.
Bahrain? - There is no democratic involvement in the selection of the executive branch of government. The head of state is the monarch, who appoints the prime minister.
Cyprus? - The Greek Cypriot portion of the island is a democracy. The Turkish Cypriot portion has had the same president for 25 years, and his opponents in presidential elections have a distressing tendency to withdraw their candidacy. The Turkish portion is about as “democratic” as Zimbabwe.
Qatar? - What are you talking about? The current emir is a bit of a reformer, but he is the unelected executive of the nation, and the legislature hasn’t had an election since 1970. Qatar had elections in 1999 for the Central Municipal Council, but said council is consultative only, with no independent power.
Jordan? - the monarch is hereditary and the prime minister is appointed by the monarch. The legislature, besides being mostly powerless, can be dissolved at the whim of the monarch.
I think a fair definition of democracy is (i) a governmental system in which those with power and authority over the populace are elected by the populace or appointed by the elected representatives of the populace, (ii) where such elections are free and fair.
With the exception of Greek Cyprus, none of the nations you listed meet this criteria. If it can get out from under Syria’s thumb, Lebanon would probably meet the criteria of democracy, even though it wouldn’t be a “western” (more accurately, liberal) one.
Hey, wasaaaap? Long time no type! Hope you are doing well, email if you have stories to tell!
Us Californians are not only playing, but we are #1 in our division!! Go Sharks!!
PS - did you notice that there are very few Jewish players in the NHL? I think the those Hockey-spreading Canadians are holding back the Jews! I cry out in protest!
