U.S. can't export democracy

Neither President Bush nor any of his predecessors have brought themselves or the nation to the full implementation of the theory of democracy. The person generally considered the principal exponent of the theory, President Thomas Jefferson, was himself a slave owner. As a consequence, this nation has followed a pattern of gross inequities against some of its citizens during the two centuries during which it has existed. Now we have been led into a draining conflict that immerses us in the controversies which flow from radical groups. We are not contending with a nation, but battling Islamic terrorists, thugs and criminals. Bush offers democracy to other nations but he is offering a flawed product. Those nations are aware of the failings of democracy in America. A new class We need, however, to understand a danger that is more threatening than Islamic terrorists. The inequities, which have been a constant in America, have brought us to an inevitable circumstance. A class of people has taken shape who are devoid of hope and who care little about what we call American values. To these people the only question is: "How do I survive?" They are prepared to do whatever they need to do, legal or not, to be able to function. Many of the millions in our prisons are persons of this stripe and tens of thousands, not yet apprehended, are doing great damage in our larger cities and smaller-sized metro areas. Crime is rampant, yet we are spending billions of dollars in a futile effort to alter centuries-old religious differences in the Middle East. How much better that money could be spent in strengthening our damaged national fabric. Two helpful experiences from our history can direct us: In his farewell address as president, George Washington warned us to "avoid foreign entanglements" (what are we doing in the midst of Shias, Sunnis and Kurds?) and the Constitution promises to "provide for the general welfare" which has nothing to do with emergency funds but addresses the well-being of our people. Calvin D. Banks, Lindenwold - Courier Post, December 31, 2006