'Duck Dynasty' is a ridiculous show, and long may it wave. America and democracy will endure. They've seen a lot worse.
This dullness of vision regarding the importance of the general welfare to the individual is the measure of the failure of our schools and churches to teach the spiritual significance of genuine democracy.
The beauty of our democracy lies in the American value of equality: if you vote, you have a seat at the table. If you speak, you have a chance to persuade others. A billionaire and a minimum wage earner have the same power at the ballot box.
Nobody should have the right to eavesdrop, or you become a totalitarian state - the kind of state I escaped as a kid to come to this country where you have democracy and freedom of speech.
We defeated communism in part by showing the world that a commitment to democracy and expanding economic opportunity makes people's lives better and nations more secure, meaning our commitments overseas also makes us stronger and safer here at home.
A people inspired by democracy, human rights and economic opportunity will turn their back decisively against extremism.
In 1988, when democracy was restored, the military establishment was still very powerful. The extremist groups were still there. And when the aid and assistance to Pakistan was cut, we had to adopt harsh economic policies. So in a way, it showed that democracy doesn't pay, and the military was able to reassert itself.
Those of us who lived under communism for most of our lives were looking toward the Western world because of its values, emphasis on democracy, individual liberties and freedom, and economic prosperity.
I'm tired of this discussion of capitalism and socialism; we live in the 21st century, we need an economic system that has democracy as its underpinnings and an ethical code.
Here's what I don't think works: An economic system that was founded in the 16th century and another that was founded in the 19th century. I'm tired of this discussion of capitalism and socialism; we live in the 21st century; we need an economic system that has democracy as its underpinnings and an ethical code.
Democracy is constructed like an edifice, freedom by freedom, right by right, until it reaches its snapping point.
When everyone agrees to a single solution and a single plan, there's nothing more efficient in the world than an efficient democracy.
The road to democracy is rarely smooth, but for Egyptian women, it has been exceptionally bumpy.
As much as we Egyptians treasure our military, acting alone it cannot provide the legitimacy to lay the foundations for democracy.
I think we need more young people; we need to elect young people to government. We need to give them a chance, in the media, in politics, in democracy.
It is a paradox that far too few Americans participate in the wonderful ritual of democracy that we call Election Day.
This country has always been run by elite, and it's an elitist democracy. And that's not a radical concept. It's elitist democracy. When people talk about democracy, they don't talk - really talk about participatory democracy, until the point that we get us at Election Day.
Our only real hope for democracy is that we get the money out of politics entirely and establish a system of publicly funded elections.
Our electoral process has created perverse incentives that have warped our democracy and empowered special interests and a vocal minority.
Every democracy is constructed day-to-day. And the electoral process reduces and minimalizes every single aspect of human complexity. We're putting it into pamphlets. We're doing a publicity show. We're becoming symbols.
