The riots in France because of the presidential elections show a stunning lack of knowledge of the mechanics of democracy on the part of the French. Why are the French so ignorant? Because for 231 years, America has been the world’s greatest example of a democratic form of government; therefore, all nations who copy this image look to us for direction. We must ask ourselves, “What do they see?”

Over the past few years, American democracy has gone downhill. Every election is hotly contested to the point of being ridiculous, and then the president gets to enjoy four years of the losing side cutting down his character and creating a bad public image for him. All you have to do these days is run for president and someone will begin a smear campaign against you.

Maybe it’s time we backed our current and future presidents – regardless of our choices in the elections – and gave the world a better example of democracy in action.

James Gronewold, Peru