Egyptians need liberty

What the United States should support in Egypt is not “democracy,” but an open, liberal, tolerant society. Democracy, manifested as free elections, may be the ideal political mechanism, but the ultimate goal is liberty.

Adolf Hitler in Germany, Hugo Chávez in Venezuela and Mohammed Morsi in Egypt were all elected by the people. But this did not produce open, liberal societies.

What makes American democracy work is not the mechanism of majority rule, but the protection of the minority by the Bill of Rights. It is this respect for all citizens, whether conferred by an enlightened constitution or by an enlightened monarch that makes a society liberal.

Stanley Spatz, Hollywood

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Find other options for Pets Trust

Last year, a non-binding straw ballot question was put to Miami-Dade voters that asked whether the county should raise property taxes to help fund enhanced animal services in our community. Voters strongly supported the question posed and the idea of saving pets’ lives. Unfortunately, the voters were given only one choice to make: raise taxes to provide for animal welfare or let the pets die. 1373581197
Rain, it’s free water

Re the July 5 Other Views column Desalinization could solve our water problems: Desalinization is one of the most expensive ways to obtain fresh water. Has the proponent looked out the window lately? There seems to be an abundant water supply coming from heaven. How about using some of it? It’s free. 1373581197
Egypt’s revolution

Instead of celebrating the triumph of a liberal and progressive movement in Egypt, the Obama administration and the media are not actively embracing this second revolution. 1373581197

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