The radical left talks about "democracy" in a way inherited from the communists, who insisted that true democracy isn't possible where oppression exists in any capacity except in service to ushering History toward the communist utopia. Dialectical target: consent of the governed.

Oppression, say under socialist regimes (Lenin, Stalin, Mao, etc.) is deemed a necessary part of the dialectic of History, thus not only acceptable but an uncomfortable good. Ever notice how often they use that word? Now you know why.

It cannot be overstressed that the radical left, or Marxian Left, or Hegelian Left (probably best), believes wholly in a Hegelian dialectical religion whose chief article of faith is that the World Spirit (God) *becomes* through the unfolding of History. Marx said where it goes.