Take heart, people won't stay silent
Destruction of Social Security, Medicare and an all out attack on public education.
Sounds familiar from far away, down under over here ..
If democracy means more than casting a ballot every so often - and I believe it does in your area of the world - then there could be popular and organized campaigning and opposition to these measures. Or at the very least, intense discussion. I'm with you on these issues, andMark Eby on overall principles (however I also think that Tom raises important points regarding efficiency of welfare delivery and means-testing)
Democracy can mean debate and activism. I envy you guys, on both sides, for your political passion and awareness. Maybe this is only the beginning of an important and healthy new social process, which as usual will spill over to the rest of the world.