Posted on 07/03/2009 11:18:58 AM PDT by jongaltsr
I would like to start a thread for discussion about where, how and what exactly is freedom.
Many people today no longer feel free. I know I don't. I used to feel free to reject negative aspects of government that was "supposedly" based on the concept of individual freedom and the expression thereof. I no longer feel completely free to express my opinion on certain subjects, simply because there are those that wish to limit discussion on numerous subjects. Because of "Their" personal sensitivities on politically correct subjects restrictions are placed on my personal opinions and actions. Restrictions that serve nobody but that segment of society that does not want to "Feel" offended and somehow always finds things that offend them.
Instead of dealing with their "Feeling" they push it aside and force those like myself who actually deal with issues in a manner that realistically deals with said issues in a realm of reality and practicability instead of the fantasy world that they feel should be perfect and never disturbs (their) sensibilities.
Yes, while I can express my opinion there is always the fear that someone (Big Brother types) that are listening and taking notes for future reference. I, and almost any free man (I'll include women also......) know and freely accept that there is always a limit to said freedoms.
That limit is (correct me if you must) that we are ONLY limited in the expression of our liberties if we limit or place limits on others or cause stigmas which may infer something about any individual or group, that there should be limits on particular individuals or groups of people. Anything that would hurt them physically, monetarily or in any way affect their free exercise of their opinion and freedoms.
My concern at this point is this - Is there a particular place on the face of this planet that once can be truly free. Free in the sense that we are guaranteed right and privileges by a government that in no way should interferes with my rights and privileges, and only exists for the purpose of protecting and securing said rights and privileges of their citizens (as our constitution was established to protect, but only does in a very superficial manner anymore).
My personal freedom, I maintain in my thoughts, actions and in the privacy of my home. I do feel more or less free when I am out and about - say when I go shopping, go on vacation, to a restaurant or to a night club etc..
It is not that I feel confined in public but I do notice that the government wants to put me (as well as others) into categories so that they (the govenment) can control our lives in one manner or another. THAT is what really bothers me.
Because I am directly affected by government regulations there are somethings I no longer can do or am in some way limited. I hear others say the same thing and the tendency is to take it personally.
Laws that affect us in a negative manner based on age, race, political affiliations and religion are progressively limiting or keyholing us and in my opinion is the most aggravating aspect of the restrictions we now face in this country.
As long as we are good little boys and girls and obey all the restrictions and controls established by the government we are pretty much (but not entirely) left to our own devices.
I knowl that this is not just a condition that only irritates me but others as well. It is not a personal attack on "Me" by the government but rather on a class of people that the government feels threatens "Their" rule and authority.
Back to my original question. Do you personally have a place you go or know of that you can be free? Is there some country that you have been that you feel more free than in the US? Is there some physical location near your home that you go to escape and just lay back and forget your problems and let it all hang out? Someplace that nobody tells you what you can not think, can not do, can not accomplish if you set your mind to it - or are you like me - You just find a place in your mind where you maintain your freedoms regardless all those external restriction placed on you?
I would like to hear your thoughts on this subject. I guess I would like to confirm that I am not alone in my concern of the lack and loss of freedoms I see coming down my driveway on a daily basis.
Have at it. I would love to hear your thoughts and I'm sure others would also like to listen and join in.
Many people today no longer feel free. I know I don't. I not felt openly free to reject government that is "supposedly" based on the concept of individual freedom and the expression thereof. I am not completely free to express my opinion on certain subjects because there are those that wish to limit discussion on numerous subjects because of "Their" personal sensitivities on politically correct subjects.
Yes, while I can express my opinion there is always the fear that someone (Big Brother types) that are listening and taking notes for future reference. I, and almost any free man (I'll include women also......) know and freely accept that there is a limit to said freedom.
That limit is (correct me if you must) that we are ONLY limited in the expression of our liberties by any limits we place on others or stigmas we may infer about any individual or group, that in fact limits or hurts them physically, monetarily or in their free exercise of their opinion and freedoms.
My concern at this time is this - Is there a particular place on the face of this planet that once can be free. Free in the sense that we are guaranteed right and privileges by a government that in no way interferes with those rights and privileges, and only exists for the purpose of protecting and securing said rights and privileges of their citizens (as our constitution was established to protect, but only does in a very superficial manner).
My personal freedom, I maintain in my thoughts, actions and in the privacy of my home. I do feel more or less free when I am out and about - say when I go shopping, go on vacation, to a restaurant or to a night club etc..
It is not that I feel confined in public but I do notice that the government wants to put me (as well as others) into categories so that they can control our lives in one manner or another. THAT is what really bothers me.
Because I am directly affected by government regulations there are somethings I no longer can do or am in some way limited. I hear others say the same thing and the tendency is to take it personally.
Laws that affect us in a negative manner based on age, race, political affiliations and religion are progressively limiting or keyholing us and in my opinion is the most aggravating aspect of the restrictions we now face in this country.
As long as we are good little boys and girls and obey all the restrictions and controls established by the government we are pretty much (but not entirely) left to our own devices.
I often feel that this is not just a condition that only irritates me but others as well. It is not a personal attack on "Me" by the government but rather on a class of people that the government feels threatens "Their" rule and authority.
Back to my original question. Do you personally have a place you go or know of that you can be free? Is there some country that you have been that you feel more free than in the US? Is there some physical location near your home that you go to escape and just lay back and forget your problems and let it all hang out? Someplace that nobody tells you what you can not think, can not do, can not accomplish if you set your mind to it or are you like me - You find a place in your mind that you maintain your freedoms regardless of external restriction placed on you?
I would like to hear your thoughts on this subject. I guess I would like to confirm that I am not alone in my concern of the lack and loss of freedoms I see coming down my driveway on a daily basis.
Well, it is to the point that I am receiving private e-mails here and certain statements at work places I know draw looks and gasps. That tells me something. I honestly doubt certain sentiments are tolerated on city, state or federal property without punitive action, which can include being ‘set up,’ shall we say.
Freedom isn’t a feeling — so whether you “feel” free or not doesn’t matter much. There were liberals during the Bush administration that felt less free to express themselves — but, the fact is, they weren’t. They weren’t oppressed — they had the precisely the same political freedom they did under Bill Clinton. And, in fact, with Bush’s tax cuts, they had additional freedom of property that they did not have under Clinton.
SnakeDoc
The last and first place in the world to be free
is your heart where tyranny has no access.
The Bill of Rights is a good place to start!
We need to stand up to those who would “change” America into a society and a government at odds with the U.S. Constitution.
Republicans no longer have freedom of speech. Democrats still have freedom of speech.
Republicans’ freedom of speech has been turned into “hate speech”.
Why am I afraid to place a Conservative bumper sticker on my car? Because it will be vandalized. Why can't I wear my “Impeach Obama” T-shirt? Because I'll be turned away from from businesses and restaurants. Why do I have to pay for Public TV and radio stations, as well as most cable TV stations, that constantly spew socialist/Marxist propaganda? Because, as our Marxist President said, “We won.”
I'll read your Freedom Thread...go for it!
Five years ago this month, I left the U.S. and moved to Moldova. Moldova is the poorest, most densely populated country in Eastern Europe.
I did not move there for any reason other than the adventure of living in another country, learning about another culture, and attempting to become fluent in another language (Russian). Little did I know that I would quickly realize exactly how much freedom we in the U.S. have given up over the past 30 or so years.
From the standpoint of personal freedom, and lack of interference in everyday life, I feel personally much more free in “Communist” controlled Moldova than in the U.S.
That is a very sad statement for an American to make and certainly one that I never thought would ever enter my mind.
There are so many aspects to freedom and I think it’s definition is a little different for each individual. Unfortunately the U.S. appears to be sliding down the slippery slope to total government control of every aspect of our life. I hope it can be stopped before the only way to reverse the slide is by force.
Cap ‘n Trade hasn’t passed the Senate.
No “health fraud” bill yet.
Write, Call, attend a “Tea Party”!
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.
I have lived overseas for many years also. Every time I returned stateside, I was surprised at the amount of personal freedoms which were lost, but nobody cares.
John 8:31b... If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
We are slaves to the world (materialism, idolatry, lusts, 'noise'), or 'slaves' to Jesus... and as it turns out being a 'slave' to Christ is ultimate freedom.
So yes, I too desire to live in a Country that upholds Liberty and Freedom -- but if that Nation isn't standing on the Foundations of Christ - there is no freedom.
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