Democracy - OT - nothing to do with Porsche's - crossposted
After been accosted for the n’th time by well-educated spotty teenagers protesting the war, proudly proclaiming “not in my name”.
It struck me that they have the ability to do so because they are free to voice their opinions. They have a democratic right to congregate to speak out against “a” government, without fear of retribution, without fear of being “whisked away” in the dead of night, without fear of torture, death or injury to there family and friend’s.
Democracy is a great thing but don’t think for one minute that it is free. People have fought and died for you and me to have this right, paying with their lives.
NO, freedom of speech is not free my friend it has been paid for and if your lucky it has been paid for by someone else, probably someone who never even knew you.
Only in a democracy can you have two opposing views openly discussed, the racist, the bigot, the fascist. Let us not forget religion we have the right to worship how, whom and what we want, again without fear of persecution.
It strikes me that these things I take for granted, I can do. I could never imagine, not being able to (in my own inimitable way) spout rubbish, my own POV, or argue a case without having the plug pulled (or my fingernails) for that matter.
Just imagine having to fight for a government not because you wanted and believed in it but because if you didn’t you may not see your family.
Or imagine fighting for a government because your only view of the world was from one sided propaganda.
Hey, lets not go to war, lets just wait till more planes come crashing down or people get sick from anthrax or some bright person decides to use a “dirty” fusion bomb in the Docklands, L.A, Delhi, or Sidney.
To the guys (and girls) out there putting there lives on the line, look after yourselves, kick ass and watch your six.
To the people who constantly barrage me with there slogans, sit ins, email signatures, flyers and words, go find a whale/rain forest or pit pony to save you may have the right but you certainly haven’t earned the right.
Just my rant for the day, don’t need to be proven right or wrong, it is just what it is. Haters don’t bother replying, just keep on stepping.
Peace Out
Adrian
(not having earned the right either but grateful he has)
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