Democracy and Minority Rights

Kreese: What's the matter? The boy can't take care of his own problems?
Miyagi: One to one problem, yes. FIVE to one problem, too much ask anyone.
--Karate Kid

Laughable statement uttered this morning on the radio by a well known political analyst (paraphrased): The definition of democracy is not majority rule but respect for minority rights.

This person is either delusional or hopes that listeners are stupid.

Democracy is in fact majority rule--the process of putting majority opinion into law. It is an expression of positivism. If a group can conjure the majority of votes, then what this group says, goes. Why? Because they control the government agents who tote the guns.

By definition, minority rights are subservient to the whims of the majority in a democracy. In fact, the majority is likely to rationalize aggression on minorities to no end.

Because it grants privilege rather than preserves rights, democracy discriminates against minority interests.

Respect for minority rights requires rule of law. Democracy facilitates rule by discretion--unequal treatment under the law.