The purpose of this article is not to sway the reader’s thinking, nor to convince anyone that I am right and any other definition of freedom is wrong. I certainly am not claiming to be any kind of expert on the subject either. The opinions expressed herein are my own ponderings, there is no bibliography or reference at the end. I guess it could be called an exercise in philosophy. This article is intended to invite the reader to give this concept some serious thought. After all, our great nation was built on a foundation and premise that her members should be as free as is possible. With that in mind consider this article deeply, come to your own conclusions and ACT on them.

So what IS freedom exactly anyway? How do we define it?
At the risk of over simplification, I would like to state that the words Freedom and Personal responsibility could almost be used interchangeably. You just can not have one without the other.
An illustration: imagine our nation’s great symbol the bald eagle, soaring high and free in the wilderness. He is ultimately free, can anyone deny this? Who provides meals for him and his family? Who provides him with shelter? Health Care? Safety? Only God and himself? Does he regret this?
On the other hand let’s free him of these responsibilities. How? Only by bondage can it be accomplished. You can see him in the zoo. Does he regret this? Do you? You be the judge.

Another illustration is this, a sliding scale, with Ultimate Freedom/Personal Responsibility at one end of the spectrum and complete oppression/Total Dependence, at the other. Neither is right, neither is wrong, neither better nor worse. It is merely circumstance and/or personal preference. But either extreme is not desirable.
Some might argue that total dependence could be considered ultimate freedom, and for some that may be true… freedom from having to make decisions, freedom from any responsibility. But I argue back, is that what freedom really is? The ABSENCE of something? I challenge you the reader to consider, how free ARE you really if you have no power to make decisions on your own behalf?

I could almost end this article right there, but there are other points to consider and further investigate.

How can you and I have MORE freedom?
Consider for a moment that the culture in America has embraced entitlement and dependence under EXACTLY this definition: The ABSENCE of responsibility!
Consider for a moment, our programs, policies and laws and the sentiment behind them. How much freedom is the right amount? How much freedom are we willing to exchange for; security, peace of mind, safety? What should and what shouldn’t be government responsibilities? Again a very personal question, but one that should be DEEPLY considered every time we prepare to cast our vote! When we vote to pass new laws and policies, and when we vote for those who will represent us in congress and in the senate, is important to consider just this very question! .
Remember, any time we relinquish any of our responsibilities to the government it becomes bigger and more powerful, and we become more dependant on it and oppressed by it.

I charge the reader with the statement that by exercising more personal responsibility, one can experience more freedom, even under conditions of oppression! The very best way I know of to regain our freedom is to take as much responsibility as we can for everything we can. That also means owning up to our mistakes and not passing the buck! Taking responsibility of our own healthcare, taking care of our own families young and old alike. Becoming knowledgeable about our own health and wellness. And paying very close attention to how our government works, who the people in office really are, and what freedoms they are taking from us each day. Be involved! Yes of course you are busy, but if we are all too busy to get our employees under control, they soon will not be our employees, but our masters!

Consider this article deeply. Come to your own conclusions! ACT on them!

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

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