Oppressive Regimes Poem by Francis Duggan

Oppressive regimes of the World to violence too inclined
And they punish everybody with the courage to speak their mind
I toast all Governments who allow free speech for that's democracy
Though far from perfect it does seem their citizens are free
To speak against them if they so wish free speech they do not suppress
Though words of criticism them well may not impress
In many Countries people who verbally oppose the Government in jail unfairly serving time
Where to speak one's mind on human rights is considered as a crime
And those with the courage to speak out are punished quite severe
By threats such Governments cling to power through the silence of fear
To be born in a Land of free speech is a gift we ought to celebrate
It is a basic human right but something we should appreciate
In far too many Countries Governments to oppression too inclined
And many are imprisoned for just speaking their mind.