dictator noun dic·ta·tor ˈdik-ˌtā-tər dik-ˈtā- Synonyms of dictator 1 a : a person granted absolute emergency power especially, history : one appointed by the senate (see SENATE sense 1b) of ancient Rome b : one holding complete autocratic control : a person with unlimited governmental power c : one ruling in an absolute (see ABSOLUTE sense 2) and often oppressive way (fascist dictators)

From my understanding, after the events of 1980s in China (see Tiananmen Square, fall of Mao, communist party appointment, market reform) that there would be an election instead and each president would serve 5 years with the option to renew once to serve a total of 10 years. In 2013 they allowed that rule to be lifted to allow Xi Jinping to 'rule for life'. Isn't that absolute power held at the top of a government body being never-ending pretty much exactly what a dictator would be?

[–] TomHardy@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago (12 children)

'rule for life'

You and your red scare. All he did was remove the term limit "up to 2", with the party's consent, but he still has to be re-elected after every term. I also don't understand what so "dictator" about it, you had Merkel "in power" for way more than 10 years. Maybe it is useful to keep the most qualified guy with already having 10 years of experience in that position for longer than just 2011-2021, and let him continue when the country experienced the largest economic growth in their history?

Also, to me it seems that you think if you change your politicians every 8 years without any difference but the lobby stays for eternity, makes it suddenly a democratic state and totally not a dictatorship?

You keep your definition, but I don't see how being able to be re-elected more than 1 time is making you "ruling in absolute unlimited never-ending complete autocratic unrestricted autocratic oppressive fascist (ah have I mentioned absolute already?) power" (just put in more into the word salad and you start to sound smart).

[–] OneOrTheOther2028@sh.itjust.works -1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I mean, the only part I wrote was the question, and then the bit at the bottom where I draw parallel. If you don't like the definitions, they're copy and pasted from those sources, so feel free to write and tell them how you feel on it.

I also think Merkel needed removed sooner, and I definitely don't believe the current system of government in the US is benefiting them at this time.

I was asking a question, you're the one drawing inferences. But I do appreciate that you answered the question and gave examples.

With your answer in mind, would you really say that lifting the term limits by a government that has ACTIVELY put down dissent as well as blocked and criminalized images of said politician being compared to a children's book character is actually democratic?

[–] Joncash2@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago

I think the problem you're having here is that not being democratic doesn't mean being a dictator. There are many forms of government that have existed before and will exist in the future. It'd be good if we took the time to understand at a minimum that.

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