Freedom House: Democracy in retreat around the world

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

You can thank George W Bush, and all of his enablers.

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http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/692acca6-6ad8-11dc-9410-0000779fd2ac.html

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Iraq got worse. They now have the same score as Iran.


Political Rights Score: 6
Civil Liberties Score: 6
Status: Not Free
Ratings Change

Iraq’s civil liberties rating declined from 5 to 6 because of growing sectarian violence and insecurity.

[Gabu]

Not that I like George W. Bush, but I don't see how he can be blamed for authoritarianism in Russia.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Not that I like George W. Bush, but I don't see how he can be blamed for authoritarianism in Russia.

Wow, that was easy to refute.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1392791.stm

[Jake]

Because if Bush had rather said Putin was a fascist fat head who bullshits around the situation would obviously be vastly changed.

You really need to learn to turn off sometimes.

[Gabu]

As Jake said, what exactly is Bush supposed to do?  Tell Putin to stop being such a meanie and to allow democratic elections in Russia?

I don't see how you can simultaneously dislike Bush's naive goal of spreading democracy throughout the world and then also hate him when he doesn't attempt to apply that to Russia.

[12th Doctor]

Not that I like George W. Bush, but I don't see how he can be blamed for authoritarianism in Russia.

Wow, that was easy to refute.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1392791.stm

Well, first off, that was diplomatic talk.  It's no different from FDR having a good laugh with Stalin at Churchill's expense.

Secondly, come on... not even you can believe that "Democracy is in retreat because of Bush".

As was previosuly mentioned, what about Russia and their success in reasserting their authority of many of the former Soviet Republics?  How is that Bush's fault?  It was Schroder and Chirac who calaborated with the Russians and stabbed the Ukrainians in the back (amongst others).  They were so busy trying to build power and help business interests that they took their eye off the ball as to what NATO had acctually been form to do.

[The Man From G.O.P.]

Not that I like George W. Bush, but I don't see how he can be blamed for authoritarianism in Russia.

Wow, that was easy to refute.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1392791.stm

Not to take away form some of our minor (cough) blunders of the last 8 years, but..... you can't be damned both ways, even by you jfern....

[Undisguised Sockpuppet]

Is democracy really that important for developing nations? Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan all got rich while they were capitalist oligarchies/nondemocratic states. I'd prefer to bring in democracy gradually after the economics/infrastructure are on par with developed nations as opposed to having it be democratic while its still poor(we'd have poorer people voting in socialism or crazy ethno-nationalist/religious/commie parties being voted in).

[Beet]

Russia under democracy:




Russia under authoritarian corporatism:



Which would you pick if you were a Russian? Be honest.

[Verily]

Pfft. Things have not gotten any better economically in Russia since Putin began consolidating power. All of the problems pointed out in your first images are either the same or worse today (especially homelessness).

[Undisguised Sockpuppet]

Option two please