Be grateful you live in a democracy

[Little Piggy]

Does anyone else find this phrase absolutely infuriating?

Example, people gather in London to demonstrate against George Bush visiting the country and some people say "Bloody protesters. They should be grateful they live in a democracy and are allowed to go to the streets and protest." and wander off going "tut tut".

Can anyone tell me EXACTLY what point is being made by saying that? I am sure most people are grateful for the freedom of speech, but what are they trying to suggest? That you SHOULDN'T demonstrate BECAUSE you are in a democratic country?

Someone just said it to me when I mentioned that I was anti war and went to London to protest last year. I started the thread because I am curious to know if anyone else finds it quite as irritating. You can't retort back to it either which is the worst thing! Well I can't anyway...

 

[Scotty Mac]

that made little or no snese to me, although i am rather tired

basically, someone told you that just because we live in a democracy you shouldn't protest

and shit. this has just reminded me that i was supposed to preapre for a politics deabte tomorrow

 

[dougdeep]

No snese to me either!

 

[SussexHoop]

Playing devil's advocate here but perhaps they are assuming that if you are 'anti-war' then you must be 'pro-Saddam' and under his regime, people weren't allowed to protest?

I'm not saying that's my opinion ... just making a suggestion as to what may be their way of thinking.

 

[NMH]

People reserve the right to protest against the right to protest.

Strange, but it does happen.

People are thick, and we really haven't come that far since being rock-apes. The concept of lines on maps is neanderthal in itslef, but on a bigger scale, but we live by it.

California uber alles !!

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Don't be "grateful" that you live in a democracy.

Be proud that you live in a democracy. And remind your critic that we live in a democracy because generations of people struggled to make that so. And - as they say in Italy - la lotta continua - the struggle continues.