[pest]

Freedom of speech and the garbage that comes with it is a great equalizer. Free press keeps government honest. Ask the former USSR or nazi germany about state sponsored (controled) press. The right to bear arms is much the same. A government that knows it population has the means to overthrow them, is much more likely to stay within their bounds. I am not trying to start a debate on gun control, but these principles come up again and again when you look at the founding of the US. Another good example of this is the three branches of government and their associated checks and balances. The US is not too free. Nice post wintersforge.