Precedent

[NuurAbSaal]

Argh :) *head explodes*

The whole problem seems to be that I misunderstood the word "choose". I (wrongly) assumed that you were talking about the people that CURRENTLY live in North Korea, when you actually meant :

over historical periods the people performed actions and make demands that lead to democracy etc.

I finally understand what you meant and everything falls into place (I hope into the right one).

The North Koreans today live in a dictatorship because they, as a people, have not made a move (or a big enough move) towards achieving democracy in their country in the past.

Is that what you meant?
I'd hate to make a fool of myself again. :(

Democracy did not come to anyone overnight, it did not come without a struggle. And the choices made over the years, the choice to struggle, were the choices that led to the form of governments that democratic nations have.

Of course, unfortunately the way I first interpreted your point was that you meant for the North Koreans to overthrow their governement NOW, or they would prove to deserve to live in a dictatorship. I must have had my brain disconnected.

In light of this new information I apologize for the "smart" comment in my previous post, seems you have been very patient with me.

But imagine the following:
You are North Korean whatever (farmer, ...). Hungry. Sick. Waiting for your sons to return from service.
Pete states that:"basically, each nation has the right to go to hell in a fashion of their choosing. If the population puts up with it, then (IMO) they aren't ready for anything better."
You'd cry, wouldn't you? ;)

The self-appointed (and sadly lame) defender of NK peasant's feelings will go to bed now.

Nuur