America's Greatest Monuments

[Bartleby1701]

Yes!  Which is a FORM of DEMOCRACY pinhead! I'm very glad you so well educated that you know the "difference". We are all SO impressed! However, people who DON'T feel the need to point out useless and meaningless distinctions for whatever reason? We all just use the word democracy and know that smart people know that that is synonymous with republic these days.... otherwise - since there ARE no pure democracies anywhere in the world - one couldn't use the word at all. Duh, genius.

[hsj469]

There are hundreds of pure democracies in New England small towns, like the one I grew up in (Boscawen, NH).

Regardless, I don't believe it's mere intellectual posturing to point out the true nature of our federal government. The masses hear "democracy" and assume that means the majority get to decide what is right in this country. I think it's sad (and dangerous) that so many Americans think that's how it works.

[hsj469]

Too many actually believe that if the majority of people support criminalization of homosexuality, for example, that's how it should be. They don't understand the dangers of the tyranny of majority, a threat to freedom which the founding fathers guarded against by adopting a constitutional republic, NOT a democracy. So I think it's very important to call out the distinction and help people understand that might (or numbers) does not make right in the US -- our system strives for higher justice.

[Bartleby1701]

Of course - but my point is simply that the true meaning IS assumed....among minimally intelligent people. Those who don't understand...well....trust me, using the word republic instead? Ain't gonna help 'em. Their fault for being so ignorant. They're dangerous for all kinds of other reasons anyway.

But be aware... while it's obvious you're not using it that way, many like to make that point in order to argue for elite rule. And that is NOT what a republic is necessarily supposed to creat

[theshaggyshow]

he said we are a democracy... he is wrong... we are a REPUBLIC...

[gguerra3]

You are a genius. We are a democratic republic ah!

[theshaggyshow]

What about the bad part of town, just down the street from the Capitol ?

[Maloner78]

i got a job working in dc for the summer and it truly is a great city, it sure beats cleveland haha

[lilchrissy37]

i go to school at GWU, down the street from the monuments, and being able to walk down the street to visit them whenever is amazing. Also, jogging by the National Monument always blows my mind.

[boredtoheck777]

OMG I remember the Washington Monument. I was standing under it during Obama's inauguration. It was humbling, to say the least. A great representation of the American spirit.

[Aarmysoldier2190]

Was just there about 3 weeks ago, definitely a place to visit; wish I lived there, must be amazing just to exercise everyday in our Capitol's monuments.

[Nos0]

I love Washington D.C. I live 10 minutes away from it!

[howie448]

Great program!! I was an US Park Police. Saw tons of sites, loved, hated to retire. (had stroke)

[defect530]

yeah the first viewer !