ppro, I completely agree with both your points - this subject isn't about the Crossfire Coupe, and freedom certainly does come with responsibility. As Americans we have the responsibility to question our government. Democracy doesn't mean kicking back and washing ones hands of what the government does, as though it's not our problem - the government acts in our name. If the United States engages in activities you believe are unwise, dangerous, or morally wrong, either abroad or in our own land, you have the responsibility to object. If we don't, then we're giving tacit approval to the act. We enable it. We're saying it's ok with us. (If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice). It's not just little things like speed limits - often times, lives hang in the balance. Questioning the government comes with risks, just as you say, but then America's history is full of heroic risk-takers. Freedom isn't free - that means far more than just military sacrifice alone. Freedom also isn't easy, simple, or a one-shot deal. It takes ongoing effort. We must be skeptical, question our own biases and fears, and work at it. (It's not all about criticism, either. Letting the powers that be know when they do the right thing is important, too. Wish it happened more often. LOL.) We can't expect the miserable American media to do the questioning for us, either. If only it were that convenient.

Anyway, good post.