Line in the Sand

When ideals become battlegrounds, who decides what's right? WC:422

I need your help. There's a war brewing between three countries that I have citizenship with, and I don't know where my loyalties should lie. This is an important decision as if I'm on the winning side, the other countries, assuming they're still around, will most likely revoke my citizenship and ban me from returning. If I'm on the losing side, I may be seen as a pariah, even by the country I fought for.

The first country is the Empire. Over two thousand years old, it developed a belief that it was better to live a safe and protected life. Over the centuries, the Empire created one law after another that reduce the peoples freedom, but also resurrected the power of the thrown. Many Kings and Queens throughout history had been forced to abdicate due to the abuse of their authority. Even the news has been restricted from including opinions, only being allowed to report facts. The people don't seem to mind the restrictions as there is little crimes, hunger is practically non existent, and safety is the country's first concern. Sadly, many find the regulations as suffocating and feel oppressed. While nothing stops them from leaving, neither do they want to leave want they call their home.

The second country is the Republic. It hand been founded roughly five hundred years ago, and broke away from the Empire during a rebellion. The rights of the people have expanded over the years, allowing for an expansive level of expression in the form of art. The President continue to ensure the Rights Of Freedom that the country was founded on is upheld. While many enjoy living the lives they want, almost as many live in fear of crime and, by extension, poverty.

The final country is the Commonwealth. Founded less that a hundred years ago, the states that make up the country broke of from both the Empire and Republic, wanting control of their own land. With each state having different laws and opinions, the Chancellor tends to stay busy in keeping peace in the Commonwealth and trying to convince them not to leave. There is to be a great deal of satisfaction there with everyone in control of their own homes, but sometimes the people can become to demanding, leading to restlessness and anarchy.

I have friends and ties to all these countries, but I'm stuck on what to think. Is it better to live safe, free, or your own life? What should I fight for? "What would you fight for?"