There is so much talk of 'democracy' these days. The United States even claims to be making war in Afghanistan and Iraq for it.

But what kind of democracy are they talking about? Is it the true form where there is chance to have an equal and informed say in how things are run?

Or is it the kind where we 'elect' representatives every 4-5 years to make the decisions for us - 'representatives' who can easily be bribed by corporations or frightened by a mass media supposedly 'representing' public opinion.

A 'democracy' where elections become more and more of a shallow beauty contest with information in the hands of government or the rich.

A 'democracy' where legislatures operate as islands within an ocean of tyranny with wealth and real power lying elsewhere.

A 'democracy' where most decisions in our political, economic and social lives are taken by people who have been appointed by people above them and then people above them rising to an apex in directorates, conclaves, boardrooms, cabinets, prime ministries and presidencies.

No. We need a democracy of a completely new kind. A truly democratic system where power resides in the hands of the majority.

A democracy that is not limited to local, national and international institutions elected every so often, but a process that is continuous, that involves every citizen and applies to every walk of life.