Thinking About Freedom

• Liberty is the only thing you cannot have unless you are willing to give it to others. William Allen White
• I disapprove of what you say, bit I will defend to the death your right to say it. Voltaire (attributed)
• Any nation that thinks more of its ease and comfort than its freedom will soon lose its freedom; and the ironical thing about it is that it will lose its ease and comfort too. W. Somerset Maugham

Ask most people in what we consider free societies whether they believe in personal freedom and they will respond positively. Some even wax eloquent about loving freedom. But freedom is not a word that means much practically without a context.

Freedom in our lives is usually freedom to and freedom from. We love the freedom to think, believe, say, and do. We want freedom from restriction, pain, etc. This is a good time to consider what freedoms we value and are willing or unwilling to share with others. What freedoms or rights are we born with? Do we believe the state, the experts, or the majority have the right to to take them away?

Remember freedoms are to be society-wide. If not, are we imitating the the models of Kingship, aristocratic rule, nazism, fascism, or communism?  Is that really the direction a free people should be heading?

Please think about freedom. be sure of what you believe and why you believe it. I hope you all have a great week. Enjoy your freedoms.