The problem with most people is that they take democracy for granted, and then get totally shocked when the ugly price of their freedom is brought home to them. (Cheers, 2003:03:27) You speak of democracy as a Colin Powell adress; though to you it may seem paradise to live in a democracy, there are those that would disagree - you naturally get to enjoy many liberties and securities that a dictatorship would not, but these liberties are double-edged swords; you enjoy them, but so does every psychopath and criminal. Additionally, with the ready availability of firearms, which are ironically supposed to be a defence, but rather become a threat all in themselves. And frankly, I find it difficult to respect a people who ok the production of additional bombs, as long as they are used only for peaceful, constructive purposes. I don't think I have to even start about "freedom fries"...