03-01-2009, 07:37 AM
Quote:Hi,
Actually, according to some research done a few years ago, the USA has fallen behind many European countries in terms of liberties. Even though the study was subjective and biased (the right to be armed was discounted completely, the right to distill liquor for personal use was rated highly, as was the right to smoke in public places and to use recreational drugs), still it was valid in two senses. First, it was valid in that the USA is no longer the sole, or even the principle, bastion of liberty. And, second, it was valid in that one has to 'shop' for the country that grants the liberties most desirable to the individual (if you want to collect guns, come here; if you'd rather smoke dope, try Holland.
--Pete
Indeed this is what I tried to say. By the way *** the USA is no longer the sole, or even the principle, bastion of liberty*** I wonder if this no longer is a correct statement. It would indicate that it once was. Of course political times change, and the US has never been invaded since somewhere in the 18th century, but e.g. Holland had already religious freedom in the beginning of the 17th century.(I mean the pilgrim fathers came to Holland before the sailed to the americas.....maybe we had too much freedom for them here so tghey decided to move on:) ) The Prince-Bishopric of Liège got universal suffrage in 1792. In the Netherlands this was around 1920, however at that time there was the Tulsa-riot (I just read a book about that) indicating no real freedom for all.
Anyway I don't want to make this into a contest, but just as I reacted on meat I don't find the 'no longer' in that sentence fair. I think the US has just done a better job advertising.