For a democracy to be effective

The rights of minorities 

Have to be protected

And not run rough shod over

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That includes the rights

Of the defeated party in an election

The rights of states

In the United States of America

The rights of all socio-economic classes

Blue and white collar workers alike

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Other rights must be entrenched 

In protecting religious

Ethnic, sexually oriented

And linguistic groups

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Applicably is freedom of speech

With rights to speak out

Debate if you will

The issues of the day

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Another is freedom of religion

Belonging to any denomination

Worshipping in any faith tradition

A person finds appropriate

Without being subject

To a government’s crackdown

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Minorities should be

Able to live with guarantees

From the government

State, community

And law enforcement

That their civil rights

Will not be abused

Or threatened

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Minorities should receive equal

Representation under the law

And have their grievances address

Image by daveeza via Flickr

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