what's democracy according to US/BUSH.?

That's a good question. According to Bush, I think it means that the people can vote in a rigged election from time to time. It is actually not much different from Saddam's definition.

Bush has said that when he leaves office, he will be starting a "Democracy" institute to "spread" democracy throughout the world. So he and his think tank cronies will likely define "democracy" and their methods for spreading it, in their statement of objectives. So we may only have to wait another 14 months for the definitive definition from Bush.

The American idea of democracy is a bit different. The declaration of independence states that the government's power derives from the consent of the people. and that the people have an inherent right to dissolve a government that abuses their rights. This can be done by voting or by revolution, if necessary. However, the impetus for all this must come solely from the citizens of the country itself.

We do not have a pure democracy. In theory we have something akin to a republic but in practice, the ability to influence our course is more often determined by wealth then political activism. A million men can march to Washington if it makes them happy but real change is bought not voted upon.

A real democracy ceases to work once the people discover they can vote for entitlements without detriment to themselves. After that it quickly devolves to corruption. Democracy might work if all of the people had real responsibilities and obligations to the public. Of course that means the larger the

population, the less likely it can work.

It's a nice idea like many others that has probably never worked for a population over 5000.

Democracy is government by the people, typically via elected officials. It's an attempt to offer the governed a chance to have a say in how they are governed.

Your question is a little simplistic.

We have a Democratic form of government, but we are a Republic. This means we elect our officials to represent us. We don't make decisions for them or vote on every decision they have to make.

A corporate oligarchy in which the people can vote, but their vote has no noticable effect on how things actually work. It's the best government money can buy.

We can say what we want, do what we want, have excellent medical care, and have the most powerful economy on earth.

Democracy as the US exercises it is excellent.

safety from terrorism.