Are "values" the base of democratie? Or is it "civisme"? n/t

[northamericancitizen]

[Tux]

1. Depends

What do you mean by values?

Values are the basis of society. Since the Sumerians started what we call civilization, values have been the foundation.

However, it depends on what values you are talking about. Do you mean fundie Christian values, Republician values, American values, etc?

[gottaB]

2. Omnia relinquit servare Republicam

Thomas Jefferson wrote to George Washington on his concerns about the Society of the Cincinatti. One of his many objections was that:

the moderation & virtue of a single character has probably prevented this revolution from being closed as most others have been, by a subversion of that liberty it was intended to establish

http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/tj3/writings/brf/jefl25.htm

American democracy is more fundamentally about values than civisme, I believe, although both have proven to be essential.

[northamericancitizen]

3. Can the word "decency" define, describe both ideologie?

[gottaB]

4. indeed

For example a proclamation of liberty that disrespects the opinions of others ought to be regarded as indecent. One could say that decency doesn't apply to the value, but to the particulars of its enunciation. I think that distinction is pretty facile, though, especially with regard to principles of democratic government.

That civisme can be defined by decency should be obvious.

[northamericancitizen]

5. I stand corrected. I humbly thank you n/t