text: I learnt earlier in the thread that in Germany and France there are certain prohibitive laws in place with regards to the holocaust.
  What would happen in these countries if one criticized these laws? anything serious? Also is this where democracy does not mean the "rationally correct thing"? So if (for example) 90% of the people in Germany voted that "Yes, we do not want anyone denying the holocaust or discussing it" and law is put in place, then even though not rationally correct, because of the democracy (voice of the many) the law gets passed?
  By the way, just so that we are clear. I do not deny the holocaust and I am not interested in starting discussions with regard to that topic. I am merely interested in the freedom of speech aspect.
  Laws are not set in stone so are subject to review over time. In democracies as a general rule the most popular views
  tend to be reflected on the statute because laws have to be passed by a certain percentage of a countrys parliament
  But the most popular views do not always good law make because the majority do not have a monopoly on wisdom so
  it is not a perfect system. And democracy it self is not perfect either but is as perfect as can be all things considered
  The alternative would be to have laws imposed on the people without any accountability on the part of those doing it
  If they knew the potential consequences and they still did it, so what? They are educated adults and if they want to take that risk they can.