Re:Why Democracy Will Die
by iwwr on Wednesday December 15, 2010 @01:49AM
(#2007312)
Civil liberties should be defended not because they foster a democratic society, but in spite of it. Mass fear will always be exploitable, that's why we need a set of political principles stronger than pure mob rule.
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Re:Why Democracy Will Die
by curious_man on Wednesday December 15, 2010 @06:59AM
(#2007821)
So, everyone must be free? I can't consciously trade some of my civil liberties for something in return? My idea of freedom is the power of choice. Choice to be free, or NOT free.
Once you've 'chosen' not to be free, it's very hard to get back to where you started, though.
Re:Why Democracy Will Die
by curious_man on Wednesday December 15, 2010 @09:39AM
(#2008219)
Well, this is true. But again, if I can't make a decision for myself then I'm not completely free. Even if that decision limits my freedom henceforth, I've made that decision excercising my free will.
Probably your definition of freedom is something along the line of "the right to exercise free will and take responsibility for my decisions, and the ability to do so now and forever". With this definition, restricting your own rights is against this concept of freedom. My definition doesn't have that restriction.