Some fine quotes. Plenty, to be precise.

[Codz]

Originally Posted by Skybird

"Republic" is no holy grail, just a word with am meaning attached to it. When it is corrupted, then it is corrupted. When how it was meant is gone, then the meaning is gone. When you stay loyal to the eroded empty carcass of it, then you are under the spell of images from the past, and are a slave of the lack in the present. You get reigned, and not to your best benefit. You get reigned to the best benefit of those in command.

I fail to see how the current system in most modern republics is "hopelessly corrupt". Free speech is thoroughly kept and enforced. As are free religion, elections, and demonstration. I've never been arrested on false charges and neither has anyone I know. My internet/television/books have never been censored. Besides, any system that involves humans will always be at least somewhat corrupt. A society free from corruption can not exist while human nature is still intact.