Mayo 05, 2004
Democracy or Revolution?
Though I'm not sure if I agree with the general position this blog takes, this particular entry makes some good points about the phrase "democratic revolution", and the idea that revolution and democracy are not compatible.
The way I see it, revolution is basically a discontinuity in democracy (in cases where it occurs in a democratic state). After it may be more democracy, or less, but the revolution itself probably can't be democratic.
I'll probably be called a reformist by some for saying that, or for even linking to this item....
Posted by steev at Mayo 5, 2004 08:38 AM
There is no democracy while the oligarchy and the state exists. So, imo, a democratic state is an oxymoron, as I define democracy as the people governing themselves (anarchism), not picking between corporate funded candidates to rule them. Check out www.anarchistfaq.org for more info.
I disagree. Of course democracy, like most things, is shades of grey, not black and white. We live in a society that is much less democratic than others. If we destroyed corporations, it would be a little more democratic. If we all had a revolution, it might get less democratic, or more.
But all that wasn't even my point, my point was that the actual condition of revolution is itself probably not possible to be democratic, because revolution is about violent confrontation with an enemy, rather than working things out with others you don't agree with.