> Free speech and freedom in general were, not more than 7 years ago, the highest principles of democratic societies. Civil rights were considered universal and

> Free speech and freedom in general were, not more than 7 years ago, the highest principles of democratic societies. Civil rights were considered universal and inalienable, untouchable. (The foundation of civil rights is protecting the minority from the majority, protecting the doing and expressing of uncomfortable things. Now Orwellian rhetoric used by the Reactionary movement talks about the 'rights' of the majority, resulting in anti-rights - the rationalization of oppression.) Very few countries have ever guaranteed the right to free speech and freedom of assembly. The first amendement in the US constitution for instance is something unique in the world, and no other country have something remotely similar. In most of the EU, one can go to prison if they voice their opinion, and freedom of assembly IS NOT guaranteed, as states can dissolve groups and organizations, especially religious ones.