As the results of The Great Debate were determined, I found it hard to believe that the event was taking place at a notoriously progressive university. The question up for debate was “Should the United States promote democracy in the Islamic world?” and after two hours of compelling arguments from those in favor of promoting democracy and some smooth talking by those in opposition, the student body answered the posed question with a resounding and rather terrifying “No.” Astonishing.

Surely the students who opposed U.S. promotion of democracy in the Islamic world realize that only in a democracy that promotes freedom of speech can people witness and participate in an event such as The Great Debate? Assuming that the answer is yes, why do these people insist upon withholding democracy from humans oppressed by Islamic totalitarian dictators? Perhaps they believe these people are inherently ill-equipped to elect suitable leaders. That is certainly what Professor F. Gregory Gause III suggested when he said that any government democratically elected within an Arab Islamic country would be dissatisfactory by American standards. Even if this negative, bigoted prediction were proven true, by promoting democracy in the Islamic world the United States would be, at least, opening the eyes of oppressed people to a world in which they could make even a single decision — a vote — for themselves.

With independence comes personal empowerment and the understanding that one can influence her government for the betterment of herself and her community. Also with freedom and independence come the ability and desire to question, enhance and change one’s education, which are critical to combating the fierce hatred toward America and toward Jews that is currently taught in Arab Muslim regimes. The freedom to question education and authority is an attribute of democracy that I value tremendously, and is something I assume everyone at Boston University holds dear. That being said, perhaps those students who voted against the promotion of democracy in the Islamic world should evaluate their understanding of what it means to live under a government that protects personal freedom, versus a government that oppresses its citizens. And then, perhaps, they will reconsider their positions on helping those exploited, dehumanized people to gain a sense of worth, liberty and empowerment through democracy.

Johanna Bronk CAS ’08