385 -- Democracy is only acceptable to the rulers when it produces the desired outcome

Democracy is permissible, even welcome, but again, as judged by the outcome, not process. NAFTA was considered to be an effective device to diminish the threat of democracy. It was implemented at home by effective subversion of the democratic process, and in Mexico by force, over substantial but vain public protest. The results are now presented as a hopeful instrument to bring American-style democracy to benighted Mexicans. A cynical observer aware of the facts might agree.