[lbo-talk] European press reaction to Swiss ban on minarets

Wojtek S wsoko52 at gmail.com
Wed Dec 2 06:29:15 PST 2009


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8388776.stm

[WS:] Quite a few commentators aptly observed the danger of populism and democracy by referendum. I especially like to opinion of Taha Akyol in Turkey's *MILLIYET:*

"This is a sign that when the masses become authoritarian, democracies too can easily become authoritarian"

Also Dominique Garraud in France's *LA CHARENTE LIBRE:*

"The lesson of the Swiss minarets vote is valid for all democracies: its absurdity shows the dangers of referendums known as 'popular initiatives', a blessing and a fearsome weapon for all extremists who know how to surf the irrational fears of public opinion"

Wojtek



More information about the lbo-talk mailing list