Can you name a current Mature Democracy where slavery is accepted?
Well, there's no such thing as a "mature" democracy because democracy means different things to different people. I just used to point out that it was not contradictory to democracy. Democracy means nothing without reference and administration by people. The ancient Greeks, the 18th century U.S.americans, and the 20th century Jim Crow advocates all claimed to be democratic.
I could ask you whether there is a present day democracy where there is not oppression or repression of some group. I could ask whether there is a capitalist country without large numbers of poor people. Slavery (or wage slavery) is unnecessary for democracy, but necessary for capitalism. However, my point is not rhetorical.
Rationality is not an inherrent part of democracy ... especially ancient democracies. However, Nazi Germany ceased to be a democracy when the Nazi party gained power.
Well, afa rationality, that's what I said, isn't it. Your next sentence doesn't follow, and, for one thing, Germany became a nation-state in the 19th century. There were only two "democracies": i.e., nations not ruled by a king or queen (US and France). Hitler was elected "democratically," but he legislated the country into rule by decree dictatorship. However, Germans certainly considered their nation a democracy, albeit in the way they defined democratic.
This is why I said ALL three were needed. Freedom of speech for all, A basis in rationality, and Democratic process. I challenge you to point to a better political process that is working today.
As a matter of fact, the US is a republic, not a democracy. The founders didn't want a democracy because that would mean that everyone would have power. I.e., to vote. Today, here, there are still people who try to limit voting and peoples' (the demos) right to vote. It's not necessary to go back to ancient civilizations.
That's why the word "democracy" doesn't impress me at all. I have no clue what it means. I have plenty of experience with people who say they want it. Here, they fly the flag and talk about how great the system is ... or was. Every year they celebrate kicking off your oppressive yokes and gaining their freedom. So, no, I can't say I know of a better system than the one I live in.
However, is you NHS democratic or socialist? Does the term really matter when it comes down to it?
No one is against democracy because they're against fascism. The two are not connected except when they're really describing the same thing, which is possible. Being against fascism is not the same as being against free speech. I don't think that imams should be permitted to incite terrorism, but that doesn't mean I'm against free speech, or Islam. I support everyone's right to say what he wants, and everyone's right to react. If someone makes a threat, take it seriously. It's not theory.