OK then Dems, tell me how PROMOTING DEMOCRACY TO REPLACE DICTATORSHIPS IS BAD?

Democrats Warn Pakistan Like '70s Iran
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - Two Democratic presidential candidates with extensive foreign policy experience warned Thursday that the current unrest in Pakistan is reminiscent of events that led up to the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979-81.

Joe Biden, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Bill Richardson, a former U.N. ambassador during the Clinton administration, said the U.S. is in danger of repeating the mistakes that led to one of the nation's worst international debacles of the last half century.

"We made the mistake years ago of backing a dictatorship in Iran. We're paying for it today. ... Unless we advocate democracy and human rights and a dramatic change in Pakistan, we're in danger of making the same mistake," Richardson said during a general question-and- answer sessions about U.S. security.

Well then I guess they think we are doing correctly in Iraq, huh?

And thus they voice the complaint of 'liberals' (now the neocons) thru the 50's and 60's and 70's. Namely we are backing anti communist dictator bastards in violation of our own heritage just because these sons of bitches claim to be anti communist. The dems today, of course, just want to be on the opposite side from Bush even if that requires some gymnastics

I agreed then. And I agree with the principle today. Today we have the perfect analog. "Apres moi, le deluge" claims Pervez. Maybe he's right, probably not. The thing is, with people ruling themselves all that can be done is to ensure OPPORTUNITY. Sort of like the civil rights movement. We can ensure there is equal opportunity (sometimes), we cannot ensure outcome. Democracy with guaranteed individual rights is a constant vigilant struggle.

That's why Musharraf's ploy...looks like he is arresting thousands of lawyers, and giving in to thousands of talib's..is anti democratic and not anti terrorist. So what is he about? Preserving personal power? Perhaps Ms Bhutto or some other elected govt will be better equipped, and be more credible to begin to erode the MMA's sway, and the madrassahs' long history of instilling venom.

It's either laws or men, Pervez. You have chosen....poorly.