Most astounding thing in my experience in Iraq was when the Iraqi's had a chance to vote after being under the Saddam regime. A man was shot in the leg after insurgents had threatened people to not participate in voting. He was being prepped for medevac but refused to be sent off until he finished voting. Iraqi people lined up for miles some even trekked 30-40 miles by any means to get to Baghdad to participate. Yet in the United States the national voting record is under 30 percent. Again back to my example things given freely have no value unless there has been a recent struggle to protect or defend said rights.
Inspiring stuff. He still thought his vote mattered. Many of us here believe it does not matter who we vote for anymore. Thus many don't vote. I used to complain about those who don't vote. Now I can't anymore because they're right. I still vote though. Hope springs eternal I guess.
Oh, and I bet that Iraqi man who was shot on election day was allowed to have an ak47 (full auto no doubt) in his home and business. Can the average American own one? Well, if they have $10k+ available, an extra $200 for the "tax stamp" and go through a 6 month background check via the ATF, sure. FREEDOM!!! PURPLE FINGERS UNITE!
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/01/w...civilians-allowed-to-keep-assault-rifles.html
Oh and I'd guess that the people who have had their money taken from them just for being suspected of it being drug money (aka civil asset forfeiture) have earned your Heinlein stripes and might be willing to sacrifce for their freedoms.