In an earlier post I mentioned that unless the term “freedom” is used in a context it has no exact or clear meaning. In America we like to consider ourselves as champions of freedom. And often we are just that.
But two different people saying they are for freedom may not at all mean the same thing. Typically we want our “freedoms to do”. Two people claiming to support freedom may want freedom to do very different things. One may want freedom to speak freely. The other may want the freedom to shut the other person’s mouth. The term freedom must have clear context.
Radical at the time was the idea of America’s founders that humans were born with certain rights and freedoms. The radical idea was that rights and freedoms did not come from governments. Their view was that good governments protected personal rights and freedoms and evil governments took away those “born-with” rights.
Among those freedoms endowed to humans by their creator were freedoms of speech, religion, peaceful assembly, and to keep and bear arms (the right of self protection). These freedoms are always challenged. Just because those against basic freedoms are speaking loudly just now does not mean it hasn’t happened before. These born-with rights must be defended…and exercised.
So when you say,”I believe in freedom.”what do you mean by that? We each need to think things through. For instance, I will not allow a person to beat or rape or kill innocents if I have the power to stop that evil But I support people who use force to defend themselves, their property, and their loved ones. Freedom is a wonderful thing but it should be used responsibly. And when we use the word FREEDOM it should be in a context.
Support freedoms and rights with which we were born. Think clearly about FREEDOM in real world contexts. I will have more to say about freedom later. God bless you. Be grateful for the freedoms you have.
Tim's Positive Place 