I cannot, as much as I would like to, argue with that. What you are saying is a very well documented fact. Most Christians are following the man/woman at the front of the congregation, not Christ, and that is the reason why they end up just blindly repeating whatever those "leaders" say like parrots.

I'm all too aware of how messed up religion is worldwide (every single one of them, no exceptions).

Additionally, regardless of your age, belief, race, sexual orientation, political inclination or choice of t-shirt, never apologize for voicing your thoughts. In most of the congregations I've been in, I'm considered the "stumbling stone" because I have no problem calling out a pastor when they are trying to use bible verses to make everyone see things the way they want them to. I'm not saying they all do it with I'll intent, but intention is irrelevant.

Young people like you are the ones that will help make this world better by exercising they critical thinking and freedom of speech.

Sure, that is your reality,and I respect that you are sure that's the case (and in many cases it is), but I happen to believe that there are shades of gray from the whitest white to the darkest black. So you do you, I'll follow my own reality.

I think we can easily be in agreement that following a man or woman because of religion is, not only detrimental, but also dangerous. Whatwe will certainly disagree on is that, for me, Jesus is God, and for you, believing that makes me n irrational sheep. And that's cool, I don't think that should be a reason for one of us to hate the other, or even simply be angry (or anything similar, my English vocabulary is not too extensive).

I brought up religion because it was brought up. So, yeah, I'm not one of those that goes around pushing my believes on others, but the moment I see Jesus attacked, I will defend Him the same way He died for me on that cross.

What really stands out in all this is the following (it'll be long-winded, so feel free to skip to the next one) :

1.- The vast majority of the politicians in those countries are pushing to make this happen, and it seems that in every new try there's more of them supporting this.

2.- Every single one of those politicians were put there by the population.

3.- The population pushes against it (at least it seems to be most of the people being against this). But the corrupt politicians THEY put in power don't give a damn (made abundantly evident in point 1).

4.- The people start calling or emailing the same politicians, or signing "petitions" (which should be "orders" instead, since they are supposed to work for you).

5.- Let's say it doesn't pass again this year. They will try again next year, and then the next if it doesn't pass, until they get away with what they want to.

6.- 1 year passes and you're back on point 1.

My confusion is: Why would any of you think calling them, emailing them or signing stuff in the internet is going to make any difference? As we are all aware of the disgust everyone (not in power) hates this as much as we do, you can bank on the fact that every single one of those criminals in power are aware as well, and yet they keep pushing it.

You will NOT stop this by calls, emails and signatures, it's that simple. Look at Australia, the UK, the US, etc. The governments keep pushing their agenda every single time, effectively telling the population to fuck off.

I have yet to see any country where the will of the people is actually what happens, unless there is a civil war, which will lead to lots of bloodshed and it's a lose - lose situation. They know nobody wants violence, so they believe they have the right to use violence against the people. They use the police and even the military if it comes to that, all with the intent of not losing the power, nothing else.

If the Europeans don't rise against this, they're utterly fucked, because now the ones in power will be able to pinpoint everyone that might spell dissent, and make their lives a living hell. And the worst part is that this is a cancer, first it was China, Russia, North Korea and many other totalitarian countries, now it's spread to the "democratic" countries as well, and then it'll come to our pseudo-democratic 3rd world countries, until the whole world population is under constant surveillance.

How much worse do you think it will be then? So you really think you will get to keep ANY of your freedoms?

I, for one, if this happens in my country (and I'm sure it will at some point) will be in deep shit, because I flat-out refuse to give up my privacy, even if it means losing my life.

What Europe and the UK are living is a dictatorship supported by the peaceful population. Why do you think you have (had?) the right to "peaceful protest"? It's because that way law enforcement has the upper-hand because they get to be "not-so-peaceful", and then you have no way to defend yourself.

I'm not an American, but I certainly understand the need for the population to have the right to bear arms. In a country of almost 400 million people, the military and law enforcement together cannot fight against that (short of nuking a few towns, maybe).

Do I like the idea of having everyone armed to the teeth? Absolutely not, but that is an actual deterrent to bullshit like this. As much as the US surveil their population, they have a way better chance to hold their powerful people accountable for extreme shit like this.

Wao, that actually felt good.

Thank you for explaining, and I agree.

For general reference, here are some books I've enjoyed that touch upon improving democracy:

• Getting Free: Creating An Association Of Democratic Autonomous Neighborhoods (James Herod)
• Turning To One Another: Simple Conversations To Restore Hope To The Future (Margaret J. Wheatley)
• The Great Turning: From Empire To Earth Community (David C. Korten)
• Beyond Outrage: What Has Gone Wrong With Our Economy And Our Democracy, And How To Fix It (Robert B. Reich)