> I never understood the idea that democracy was a superior form of government. If, in the future, China (or some other nation) becomes the next world power, with superior scientific innovation, larger industry, higher standards of living, etc, will you still prefer Democracy to what they have?

Well of course I would. Would you rather be married to a rich man who beats you?

> It seems incredibly naive to assume the present state of the west is somehow the final and ultimate condition we can hope to obtain. If this is as good as it gets, I think I want to move to China.

I am extremely sceptical of American "democracy" but I see Chinese totalitarianism to be a step in the wrong direction.