We live in a form of dictatorship?

Question

If you think about it it's not a free country is it? No matter how democratic the west is, we're still being dictated with Laws and social busy bodies that frown on freedom of expression.

Answer 1

Very true. However, much as people are apt to complain about laws etc., I much prefer living under legislation than anarchy. Just imagine.
Additionally, a dictatorship in the true sense of the word will not allow you to ask questions like that.

Answer 2

If you're speaking about the United States of America, you need to read up on our form of government and educate yourself before you make any more asinine statements abour living in a dictatorship. What "democratic west" are you referring to? Again, if it's the U.S., you're once again showing your ignorance.

The United States government is a Republic... not a democracy. Our government is formed around our Constitution, and based on LAWS passed by our elected officials. Without those laws, there would be anarchy... no laws at all, and you would have no protection from those who would steal from you, or take your life or property.

And, where did you get the impression that there is no freedom of expression in the U.S.? Has ANYONE, EVER, restricted your freedom of expression?? The first amendment to our Constitution guarantees freedom of expression. Are there "social busy bodies" who criticize, and in some instances attempt to interfere with that guaranteed freedom of expression? You bet there are... There have always been those who would seek to impose their mores and values upon society, but the U.S. is the single nation that has laws against such attempts.

If you want to experience what living under a true dictatorship is like, I suggest you move to a country like Iran, or Cuba. You will, in short order, beg to return to the good old U.S. of A.

By the way, if anyone has attempted to restrict your freedom of expression, I'd like to hear about it. My email address is: [e-mail]

Answer 3

In order to live in a group there is the need to establish and follow certain levels of laws and order of authority. These laws are designed for the common good and the majority of the community agrees with them.

Under a dictatorship the laws come from the whims of the ruler, they are designed to keep tight control over the community and enforced by terror (through imprisonment and violent death). Individuals are not allowed to express their disagreement and any ideas that do not agree directly with those of the rulers are censured and repressed.

I don't know which country you are writing from. If you had to go through illegal filters dodging your government's censure in order to access this page and post your question... you probably live under a dictatorship. Otherwise count your blessings 'cause you live in a free society.

Answer 4

Yes we do have laws but we also have a huge amount of freedom ask all the people who are risking their lives just to get here by fair means or foul. Some will do anything to reach these shores, even the criminals will get a much fairer trial here and do not risk being executed. After all there is always the likes of Cherie Blair to fight their cause vie `The court of Human Rights`

Answer 5

live in a country with a real dictatorship then come back and compare, dont make me laugh! We live in a country with alot of things we dont like but we can also complain and make a stink if the mood strikes but you know you can do that because it's your right. That would never ever happen in a dictatorship. Have a good moan and a gripe if you must as we all do but you are still free.

Answer 6

A dictatorship is where you have no say at all in how we are governed. Yes, we have laws, but they are laws put in place by a governments that people have voted into power.

If laws are made that people don't like, they have the option of voting for a party who says they'll change it. One example is the Hunting Ban; Labour said they would introduce a hunting ban, and some people voted for them largely because of this. Once in power, they did. Those who are opposed the Hunting Ban have the option of voting for a party who says they'll get rid of it.

Laws usually exist for a reason: would you prefer it if there were, for example, no laws against murder, rape or robbery?

If you don't like what parties are proposing or have done, you're perfectly free to complain (as you are now), and you are also entitled to stand for public office yourself. So it's utterly absurd to put us in the same league as Mugabe, Saddam, Pinochet and Idi Amin.

Answer 7

The only freedom is this country is freedom of speech, otherwise there would not be web site's like this. If you fall foul of the taxman,Police or other government dept, then you;ll find out just how much they know about you, so the answer is to live within the laws of the land. Like it or not, without controls and laws what would our society be like ?

Answer 8

We live in about as free a society that the human race can produce at this point in time. We need laws to keep us in place to stop the chaos that would reign if we didn't have them. All be it we are going a little into overkill at the moment with European directives on straightness of banana's but without them man wouldn't survive.

Answer 9

no we don't and no nothing is free would you rather have the anarchy law by gun don't think so most laws are good and yes some are very extinct but most laws are there for yours and my protection if its anarchy you want go to Iraq Afghanistan Pakistan USA......could go on and on but ..you choose at least you still have an option its not perfect but what is ......at least you can say vote and go to the media without being beheaded at the moment

Answer 10

Yes, although I dont think it has to be this way. In the UK the house of commons is supposed to be full of representatives of the population, except when it comes to a decision they never actually represent what the population wants.

I feel its a dictatorship hiding as a democracy.