[ramdalesh]

When America declared its independence we knew so little. Over the past few centuries what we have learned hasn't made us more free. I would say less, in fact. I live with the same fear, that my own children will become slaves. Slaves to technology, the military, the political system, drugs, pornography, or even education. But I don't often hear myself cry for freedom.

Here's why. Somehow I have an ideal lodged into my mind about duty and purpose. I see those people making rules just to control others, but they don't bother me so much. Probably because I am more like them than I am ready to admit. I often hear myself complain, "If only they understood their purpose, then they wouldn't do those things." But I don't like to argue, and the worst feeling in the world is that I am a bad guy, because I wanted to impose my world view on others, ask that they not do those things, try to limit their freedoms. Someone said to me the other day that men fall into two catagories. They are either total cowards, or raging maniacs. I feel like that sometimes.

Men have a problem talking about their feelings. They better not do it either, because if they did, it would show to women that they are vulnerable. Unfortunately for us, women know this already...that we are cowards, and besides that raging egomaniacs.

I'll tell you. I want freedom. With all due respect, the urge to be with others is surreal, even if they are worshipping a golden calf and having a crazy orgy while I'm up here on Mt. Sinai power tripping. I mean that as a joke. We always think that it took 40 years to cross the desert because the Jews complained alot. Maybe it was because Moses was such a party pooper. Or as the famous frank and ernest cartoon goes...he was too proud to stop somewhere and ask directions, finally the wife insisted that they stop at a gas station. Thank God for the women.

Now if only men could learn how to file a sexual harrasment lawsuit, we would have a compromise. Let freedom ring!

[Jack Black]

"When America declared its independence we knew so little. Over the past few centuries what we have learned hasn't made us more free. I would say less, in fact.

Well there was actual, not symbolic, slavery in America at the end of the revolution. So, while some may have had more freedom, some had WAY less. The first 150 years seemed to be about increasing freedom. Since about WW1 the trend has been in the other direction.

I live with the same fear, that my own children will become slaves. Slaves to technology, the military, the political system, drugs, pornography, or even education.

I have tried to teach my children what freedom means. This has meant, among other things, learning to recognize fascists and collectivists for what they are, learning the real history of the world, having a good education, and having skill with arms.

But I don't often hear myself cry for freedom.

Go for it, it feels great!