Political freedoms are best appreciated in those countries where they do not exist.

Political freedoms are best appreciated in those countries where they do not exist.

11:15 – 11:45

Political freedoms are a pinnacle part of a democratic government and give a voice for the common man. Such freedoms include: freedom of speech, free and fair elections, right to vote, , give a voice in public affairs that affect them and express discontent on matters without fear from the governing body. When a democratic nation is experiencing a period of economic surplus and success these political freedoms are taken for granted. However, when the nation is facing economic hardship such as a recession, or loss of morale then the importance of the rights become clear by demanding for change. However, in some cases there are countries that don’t have these freedoms due to totalitarian rule but if they were educated about the democratic process would use it to change their society for the better. 

First consider situations where political freedoms are best appreciated in countries that lack these freedoms. A notable example, would be under a authoritarian government such as a dictatorship in Africa or the Arab world. For instance, in Zimbabwe there have been major spurts of violence and political unrest in Harare and neighboring cities because of political factions that fight for dominance. One sect has fought in support for Robert Mugabe who supports totalitarian rule as a  dictator, and the other for Morgan Tsavangari, President for democratic rule. However, people are struggling to find which leader is successful because there have been times when Robert Mugabe has monopolized the idea of banning free speech and voting rights, and the on the other hand there have been times when democracy has had its voice. As an ongoing conflict, it is evident that many citizens want a democratic government because people will have fair representation. Another example, would be in the Arab world in countries like Pakistan and Iraq. In both cases, totalitarian government predominated and ruled society. Under Saddam Hussein in Iraq, many people suffered under the Shia and Sunni divide where Shia were a minority and suffered great discrimination. In response to this Saddam Hussein took revenge and established a dictatorship where Shia would dominate and made the Sunni majority suffer. He established strict rules of what people could do in public. For example, women were not allowed to vote, wear visible clothing, women were to be fully covered head to toe, and the Sunni majority were restricted to hold high positions in industry. Likewise in Pakistan, under the military coup of Gen. Pervez Musharaf, Hindus and other minorities that were not affiliated with Islam suffered great pain. Hindus were not allowed to share pubic facilities with Islamic counterparts, separate education facilities and could not vote or take part in societal issues. As a result, it is clear that under dictatorships, political freedoms would benefit citizens to enhance their countries to give a voice to the people.

On the other hand, there are countries that have political freedoms but don’t express interest in using them even where it is existent. For example the United States is one of the most famous democracies in the world that has a very organized system of voting, rule and regulations. However, voting is not a compulsory part of the democratic process and people aren’t penalized for it. However, the only times US citizens tend to vote is when a major change or upheaval is needed to improve the situation of the economy or healthcare system. In 2008, voters went to the polls and overwhelmingly voted for a Democratic president. They expressed wide discontent for foreign policy decisions (i.e., Iraq war and handling of War on Terror) of the sitting 2 yr term  of Republican President Bush and voted in the name of "change." During the apex of the economic crisis two years later, voters came out in huge numbers and placed a Republican majority in the house. They also exercised their political freedom of voting to demand "change." Indeed, political rights are most used and expressed when problems arise.

In all, it is evident that political freedoms are appreciated mostly in countries that that lack these freedoms. Under dictatorships, strict rule prevent citizens from expressing their true opinions on issues but if political right were granted to these citizens they would use it to change their society for the better. On the other hand, in democratic countries political freedoms are not appreciated enough or used until economic crises or other hardships come knocking on their doors.