Republic vs Democracy

[muchacho]

I'm in the middle of a discussion with someone over the fact that the US is a Republic and not a Democracy, I'm not sure where the conversation is leading and want to have some ammunition when it gets there.

The person is a mild freeper and since I've never ad anyone bring up the Republic vs Democracy point I'm not sure all the assumptions tat are coming with it.

Any progressive feedback/links to help me prepare?

Thanks.

[Streetdoc270]

1. R vs D

Democracy everyone has a say in shaping policy
Republic you elect representives by majority vote and they shape policy

So the US is a Republic.

[Demeter]

2. Not L:ately It Isn't

We aren't even a Republic anymore--just your garden-variety 3rd world dictatorship with all it implies: no Bill of Rights, no one man-one vote, secret police and kangaroo courts, corruption, graft, greed and bribery, and nepotism, and second-class citizens.

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

3. thats a pretty common line w. the libertarian right.

heres an example of how this works in online discourse, with humorous commentary...to give you some backround on what to expect, or where they are coming from:

http://irregulartimes.com/democracy.html

[muchacho]

4. thanks

this is perfect!

[Kamika]

5. GREAT POST

Thanks!