Democracy In Danger

The NBA opened it's All Star voting on the internet this year and apparently Bruce Bowen came in 3rd for forwards. Bruce Bowen. Have you watched this guy try to shoot the basketball? It's ugly. Hideous. He's a great defensive stopper. The guy the Spurs use to try and shut down Kobe. He is a one dimensional role player. In short, not an all star. Not by any stretch. But Bruce Bowen does basketball workshops in China. Apparently, he's a mini-celebrity over there. And many of his votes for NBA all star came from China.

In and of itself, this really isn't a problem. Who cares about the NBA all star game? Fan voting and popularity has always been an issue. It's an issue for all All Star games, prom queens, and student elections - popularity doesn't mean best or right.

But what does this mean for the future of democracy? Especially around the world where frankly - people aren't accustomed to it. Like China. Like the Palestinian territories. Like Iraq. Or Afghanistan.

All I know is this: if the future of democracy is Bruce Bowen being an all star and Hamas ruling in Gaza, we are in a load of trouble.