What is Freedom

"What is freedom? Freedom is the right to choose: the right to create for oneself the alternatives of choice." -Archibald MacLeish

The word freedom is defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. It is a word that is easily ignored and also easily used in defense of one's action.

There are many types of freedom;

- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of association
- Freedom of choice
- Freedom of speech
- Economic freedom
- Academic freedom
- Intellectual freedom
- Religious freedom
- Scientific freedom

And of course, free will.

Freedom is exactly what it states, and there is no such thing as "no strings attached" when it comes to living our lives free. When we take freedom for granted, there are sure to be those that will attempt to take our freedoms away. That loss can come from an over burdening government, over zealous religious leaders, abusive relationships, and a host of other sources. For every step we fail to take in guarding our freedom is another step back into some level of bondage.

But with freedom comes responsibility. This means that we must accept the consequences of our choices. We must respect and protect each others' freedom, not just our own. Not everyone respects this responsibility and freedom without mutual responsibility becomes the law of the jungle. Everyone being out for themselves, fighting not only for their own freedom but to subjugate others to their own will.

Men and women have died for thousands of years fighting not only for your freedom to choose and believe but for mine as well. When we accept that each of us has a responsibility to protect and defend those freedoms, only then will freedom really remain freedom.

As we celebrate this week in the United States, two-hundred thirty seven years of independence; be mindful of the freedoms we have given up. We have given up freedoms in the name of national security that one could argue go beyond simple protection. We have given up financial freedoms in the form of dependence upon a government as the source of all our needs. We have given up religious freedoms in the fear of those religions different from our own. So many have simply given up.

Freedom is not lost and we can regain much of what has been lost by simply choosing to be free once again. When we acknowledge that we must work to protect not only our rights but the rights of others. When we take responsibility for our own freedom and understand the cost associated with keeping ourselves free. When we simply choose to be free, freedom then becomes real.

Stay inspired my friends.

Freedom of Speech