Aside from the u.s., there is no "american" democracy. There is democracy. Every country will tweak it (every country that has it, mind you) and that is all well and good.
As much as you like to crap on america, phil, have you ever pictured yourself living somewhere like Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, perhaps? Where what you say, if not the "party" line, will get you killed? Not just "might", but WILL.
Democracy - the ability of individuals to say what they feel, without the repercussion of death for saying the "wrong" thing. Democracy: The willingness to accept the majority's view as rule, while still allowing differing opinions, and not killing people for having differing opinions. (that is my take on democracy - you won't find that in any dictionary)
