We were I thought kinda comparing Athenian Democracy with our Republican Form of government. Some people's think that is where we are now. A Democracy. In point of fact, the terms are used interchangeably without any thought given to the differences.

As to the above referenced war, and the means by which we got into it: The vote was by elected members of the US Congress. None of us, "unwashed masses" were asked to participate in that vote.

It was unfortunate the polls showed a desire to go to war. However, looking at how the masses want to get us out of that war now (oh how fickle we are), one can wonder where the real Democracy is as poll after poll shows the masses want to end it.

So much for Athenian Democracy.