Matt Grocott’s column titled “Lesson 2: We are a republic,” is a typical Republican politically biased opinion piece. Yes, “republic” is in the Pledge of Allegiance, and, yes, the “democracy” is not in the U.S. Constitution. Webster’s Dictionary defines “republic” as A). A government having a chief of state who is not a monarch and who is usually a president; B). A political unit (such as a nation) having such a form of government; 2A). A government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens to vote and exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them.
Webster’s definition of “democracy” is: A). A government by the people; rule of majority; B). government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through representation; C). a political unit (such as a nation) that has a democratic government; D). absence of heredity or arbitrary class of distinctions or privileges; E). belief in or practice of social economic equality for all people.
America may be a republic, however, it is guided by democratic principles. As such, America is a democratic republic. It is suppose to be the “best of both (political) worlds,” but, unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. Class dismissed. Not you Mr. Grocott. Please write on the chalkboard 100 times “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
Mr. Dugan, if you’re out there, you may want to skip this letter. This letter may spur a third column from Mr. Grocott about our republic. Of course, it appears Mr. Oberg is on the right track, admitting America may be a republic, but that’s better than an outright refusal of the facts.
When Steve Ortiz challenged Matt Grocott's column in his LTE entitled "Democracy" more than two weeks ago, I responded to Steve with the following... "If you search our type or kind of government, you will find a description < https://www.govinfo.gov/ > of it as follows... 'The United States, under its Constitution, is a federal, representative, democratic republic, an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States.' This government website further differentiates a true democracy from our system of democratically elected representatives. I don't want to put words in Matt's mouth, but I think our current constitutional republic is the description he believes best fits our government."
Michael... looks like you may be staying after school with Matt for turning in your homework late.
Thanks Ray. I learned about a 'democratic republic' from taking a Constitutional Law class while getting my Paralegal Certificate and Law Degree. We may be on the same page for this one.
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(5) comments
Mr. Oberg - beating a dead horse?
No just beating the same one you guys use.
Mr. Dugan, if you’re out there, you may want to skip this letter. This letter may spur a third column from Mr. Grocott about our republic. Of course, it appears Mr. Oberg is on the right track, admitting America may be a republic, but that’s better than an outright refusal of the facts.
Good morning, Michael
When Steve Ortiz challenged Matt Grocott's column in his LTE entitled "Democracy" more than two weeks ago, I responded to Steve with the following... "If you search our type or kind of government, you will find a description < https://www.govinfo.gov/ > of it as follows... 'The United States, under its Constitution, is a federal, representative, democratic republic, an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States.' This government website further differentiates a true democracy from our system of democratically elected representatives. I don't want to put words in Matt's mouth, but I think our current constitutional republic is the description he believes best fits our government."
Michael... looks like you may be staying after school with Matt for turning in your homework late.
Thanks Ray. I learned about a 'democratic republic' from taking a Constitutional Law class while getting my Paralegal Certificate and Law Degree. We may be on the same page for this one.
Welcome to the discussion.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.