The United Nations Security Council passes Resolution 794, in an attempt to impose a central government on “stateless” Somalia.  Somalis, like most other Africans, do not want central government.  Their tribes will interact peacefully with each other; until democracy is imposed upon them, and the tribe that wins the election oppresses the others.

       NOTES:

• Democracy is not synonymous with liberty.  For centuries the Somalis had their own brand of common law called the “Xeer,” which protected persons and property.
• Only victims can bring charges and summon a court; “No victim? No crime!”;
• Punishment for crimes is based on restitution instead of retribution;
• Fines are double or triple the amount of the damages, and go to the victim;
• Religious and public figure who violate the rights of other pay twice the restitution that an ordinary person would pay;
• There is no taxation under the Xeer;
• There is no imprisonment under the Xeer;
• All individuals are required to carry insurance against potential civil liabilities;
• Convicts that do not have the resources to compensate their victims most be bailed out by their families;
• Families that tire of bailing out repeat offenders declare them “outlaws,” who lose all legal protections, and must leave the country for their own safety.

       Question: Which is the more civilized society, Somalia or the United States?

       [restored 3/4/2023] Thanks to Jim Lorenz for this entry.