A civil war...in the US that is.
The photo of a man carrying an assault rifle to a health care reform protest in Arizona was jarring. It smacked of images from the truly oppressive cultures. It's the type of picture that usually accompanies a story on people getting beaten for demonstrating. The person is usually described as part of a 'citizen militia' or shadowy 'security force'.
In Iran, it's the Basij. Russia has the Nashi. Gaza, Hamas. (America, the NRA?)
Everywhere, it seems these people with the gun are more ready to debate the philosophical purity of their cause, rather than any practical reason for bringing a gun to a public political event. (Perhaps they thought someone might bring a knife?)
What type of person thinks their argument is better made if holding a gun?
We know the type of democracy that mixes guns & 'free speech'. Inevitably, the 'patriotic groups' only support a certain political spectrum and certain free speech...& THEY ARE NEVER PROGRESSIVE. In these unstable parts of the world, these factions bring violence.
How stable is America? From moderate Finland, America sometimes looks as crazy as Iran, and just as enamored of weapons.
I hope the guns don't talk as loud in America as they have elsewhere.