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[–] Possibly_a_Carrot 0 points 11 points (+11|-0) ago  (edited ago)

Every region of the globe needs not only a military, but militias as well. Not only militias, either, but a generally armed populace. It boggles my mind when I have to argue this basic concept with people.

What further boggles my mind is that free speech doctrine isn't a required standard for joining the global community. How can we, as international governments/investors/citizens, take a country's government seriously when they don't even allow their citizens the very basic right of free speech?

edit: To clarify - Article 18 and 19 of The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 DOES dictate that any joining member observe the right to free speech in the following context:

Article 18:

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19:

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Neither of these seem to have been exceptionally "enforced" in the past few decades, I think we can all agree...