So far, the obvious has eluded us. There’s a critical lesson to be learned from the tragic bloodbath that was once the peaceful cities, hillsides and farmlands of Ukraine. TV commentators are bent on characterizing Ukraine as a democratic and free country. Yet if that were true, Russia would have never invaded. To do so would have been military suicide. They would have faced a citizenry that is not only courageous and resolute, but a citizenry that bears arms and knows how to use them.

A free nation does not fear its citizens. A free government that protects rather than rules, recognizes...