Democracy

**AndyD** · 10-Mar-12, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by Justloadit

I think that a value of a vote should be directly proportional to the education level.

In that case a very clear definition of the phrase 'education level' would be required. If you mean politically educated then I'd be inclined to agree if you mean someone whos been thorough focussed tertiary education such as a diploma or degree then this would not qualify them for special treatment in my book because that education wouldn't make them any more qualified to make a decsion about government or politics.

**adrianh** · 10-Mar-12, 09:52 PM

Andy....I agree with you 100%

**Justloadit** · 10-Mar-12, 10:33 PM

Oh well back to one man one vote then.....

If we carry on doing the same thing, why would we expect a different result?

I would have thought that education would allow you to see the fraud taken place in front of your eyes, and not to accept any story fed to you by politicians. I would think that education would open your eyes to the lies being dished out, and when one is educated you tend to understand the promises made will never happen, however when you are not educated, you tend to believe your leaders, you do not know any better because after all the politicians are are educated now aren't they, and they should know better.

**Doug B** · 11-Mar-12, 12:23 AM

I wouldn't say democracy is not without it's flaws but isn't the real problem what has already been mentioned, the curbing of free speech, intimidation of voters, jobs for pals like the good old Nats did. It's not that democracy is wrong, personally I can't see a better system, what I can see is an attempt to hijack a system and that spells disaster - dictatorship, and we all know where that leads. That is one of the reasons why it is in every South African's best interest to keep an eye on the likes of your Malema's.

**AndyD** · 11-Mar-12, 12:37 AM

Originally Posted by Doug B

......and that spells disaster - dictatorship,

What's the difference between democracy and an opt-in 4 year dictatorship?

**Blurock** · 11-Mar-12, 07:27 AM

I have seen some very stupid, educated people in my lifetime...

**adrianh** · 11-Mar-12, 08:30 AM

You all miss one important point and it is that the masses in this country prove that democracy works by using their one man one vote. It is unfortunate that they all vote for the wrong party but that is the way democracy works - The people get to choose.

after all the politicians are are educated now aren't they, and they should know better.

JZ has a standard 2

**Dave A** · 11-Mar-12, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by AndyD

What's the difference between democracy and an opt-in 4 year dictatorship?

Not too much in our current situation perhaps, but at least it's not indefinite

**Justloadit** · 11-Mar-12, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by adrianh

JZ has a standard 2

True, and his vote trumps yours, so effectively you have no say. But he also has the power to woe the uneducated masses with unrealistic promises.

**Doug B** · 11-Mar-12, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by AndyD

What's the difference between democracy and an opt-in 4 year dictatorship?

Legislature is the difference and in Africa unfortunately, we seem to be either over or under. Some of our legislature is so ridiculous, it would make the most civilized countries in the world seem years behind. That's Africa for you. Talk, talk, talk, talk, blah, blah. Take the Consumer Act for instance, that's a whole new ball game. Let's take for example the scrapping of Transfer Duty on properties less than R500 000, brought in a few years back. Who was this aimed at? The entry level income class BUT what some bright spark didn't realise was what about brand new developments aimed at the same class? VAT remained. The 14% the developer had to pay was passed on to the buyer- normal transfer duty was 8%!