Make looting history (3)

Thank you for that brilliant article by Charles Abruge. When I got to the second last paragraph of Francis B. Nyamnjoh's article, although directed at problems with democracy in Africa, it seemed to fit much more aptly in a description of that extraordinarily undemocratic bunch: the G7++++. This paragraph seems to describe exactly what we saw in action at Gleneagles.

"The mere call for an exploration of alternatives is, as we have seen almost everywhere [on the continent - replace with - in the G7++++], bound to be perceived as a threat and a challenge. In particular, such a call would receive a hostile hearing from those who have championed the cause of one- dimensionalism nationally and internationally - that is, those who benefit from the maintenance of the status quo, and who stand to lose from any changes. They cannot withstand the challenge, stimulation and provocation that democracy (as the celebration of difference and diversity) promises. They want life to go on without disturbance or fundamental change. And they are well placed to ensure this, thanks to their power to regulate [media] ownership and control, the power to accord or to deny [a voice to] individuals and communities. Only well- articulated policies informed by public interest broadly defined to include individual and community expectations, and scrupulously respected, would guarantee against such abuse and misuse of office and privilege."

Can the so-called democracies please BE democratic...