What Sort of Democracies Are We Building?

The Bush administration is intent on spreading democracy across the globe. I contend that their view of democracy, which is majoritarian rule, is simplistic and shows a lack of knowledge and appreciation for that which created our own democracy, which they purport to spread. Majority rule is equal to mob rule if it is without guaranteed freedom or liberty. How can they be so stupid?

Oh, they can. Our adored Afghani government friends (our one GWOT "success") want to execute a person who converted to Christianity. Somehow, we let their constitution be ruled by Sharia law. Oops. As the Washington Post quotes,

Under sharia, a convert to Christianity "should be given time to think," said Abdul Aziz, a professor of Islamic law who spoke by telephone from Kabul. "What he has done may damage Islamic society, so he should change his mind." If he does not, sharia prescribes the punishment of death.

Guards refused to let journalists visit him in a Kabul prison, and one said, "We will cut him into little pieces."

These fascists should have nothing to do with America, what we believe in, or what our tax dollars fund. Is this what we want our American soldiers, like Pat Tillman, to die for and defend? Would you sacrifice your son or daughter, or yourself, to defend a Sharia state?