Freedom
Memorial Day 2023
On this Memorial Day 2023 I reflect on the freedom we enjoy here in the United States of America which was purchased with the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors. I especially note the ultimate sacrifice made by members of the U.S. military including the following battle deaths and deaths in theater:
- Revolutionary War 4,435
- Civil War 140,414
- World War I 53,402
- World War II 291,557
- Korean War 36,574
- Vietnam War 58,220
- Gulf War 148
- War on Terror 8,308
What is “Freedom?” To me, Freedom is our ability to think and act according to our own will and conscience with only the minimum of external restraints. Freedom is our capacity to make choices that reflect our own personal values, beliefs, and desires. From a political perspective, freedom refers to our inalienable rights and liberties. In the United States of America, these rights and liberties are protected by the US Constitution and by the various Federal and State laws.
When I think about our Freedom, I think about:
- Freedom of thought and religion: Thomas Jefferson said, “…all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.” This means there is no state religion! We can all follow our own religious belief, or no religious belief, and still be able to fully participate in and be protected by our government.
- Freedom to access information and knowledge: James Madison said, “The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” Open access to information for adults and children is essential for a well-functioning democracy. Restrictions must be at an absolute minimum as required for public safety.
- Freedom of movement and physical access: In the Articles of Confederation, Congress recognized freedom of movement. This right was thought to be so fundamental that it was not even explicitly included in the Constitution.
- Freedom to promote our ideas and beliefs: Channeling Voltaire, Evelyn Beatrice Hall said, “I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.” Except for critical security issues or defamation, we need to protect everyone’s right to speak even if we don’t agree with what they say.
- Freedom to vote and participate in our own governance: “The right to vote is one of the most basic promises of our democracy. In a democratic government, every person is considered equal and is empowered to both participate in their government and speak on the issues that impact their daily lives.” This should be a non-partisan issue with non-partisan organizations determining voting districts, polling places and election rules.
- Freedom to defend ourselves and our families: The details of the right to physically defend ourselves, our family, and property are different from State to State and in Federal Law, but in general we have the right to do what is necessary to avoid bodily harm and to keep someone from harming our families or taking or destroying our property. The well-known Second Amendment is part of this right.
Personal Freedom includes civil liberties such as the right to vote, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to a fair trial. It also involves the principle of equality, meaning that all citizens of the USA have the same rights and freedoms regardless of their race, gender, religion, or social status.
Political Freedom allows us to have a functioning representative democracy. For our system to work, citizens must participate in their government. The only way we have a say in the laws and policies that affect our lives is by voting, speaking out, and participating to the extent we are able.
Freedom does not mean the absence of all constraints, but rather the presence of necessary and meaningful ones. For instance, laws against harmful behaviors are necessary to protect the freedoms and rights of others. A truly free society is one that strikes a balance between individual liberties and social responsibility.
On this Memorial Day let us all remember what Freedom means to us, and the importance of defending it. As Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death.”
This entire article was written by Ed Daniels. During the writing process, Ed was assisted by ChatGPT May 24 Version. All authors should note that “facts” generated by ChatGPT and other LLMs should not be relied upon without additional confirmation. We have found that AIs are excellent at confidently stating “facts” that may or may not be true. The author used other online sources as documented to validate various quotes and facts.
