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> Western democracy wouldn't exist without citizens who were armed to the teeth. Citation needed. I can't think of any good examples, except maybe for the Revo
by SideburnsOfDoom 6y ago
> Western democracy wouldn't exist without citizens who were armed to the teeth.
Citation needed. I can't think of any good examples, except maybe for the Revolutionary French "Sans-culottes", who, as the name suggests, were _famously_ well-equipped.
- nickthemagicman 6y agoSorry you can't think of any. How about the American revolutionaries? They literally set the standard for modern democracy. Every other country kisses America's ass. America's defense budget is more than most countries GDP. They should be grateful instead of hostile. Hostility is allowed thanks to the FREEDOM OF SPEECH that America allows. You're welcome.
- black6 6y agoCarroll Quigley makes a convincing argument early in Tragedy and Hope that democratic governments tend to replace authoritarian governments when "amateur weapons" (e.g. rifled musket and pistols of the 19th century) are the pinnacle of weapons technology and the standard of living is high enough for the citizens to readily purchase those weapons, and vice versa when "specialist weapons" (e.g. tanks and airplanes of the 20th century) become the pinnacle of weapons tech.
- SideburnsOfDoom 6y ago> when "specialist weapons" (e.g. tanks and airplanes of the 20th century) become the pinnacle of weapons tech. I will certainly agree with that, in the sense that the idea that armed civilians (even if they have some automatic assault rifles) posing an internal threat to a modern, well equipped military; is laughable, and is likely advanced for disingenuous propaganda purposes.