In Government We Trust?
There is an odd movement happening in America. Day by day and more often than not, the populace is placing their complete trust and faith in the federal government. This is not only a scary proposition, it’s short sighted and will reap disastrous consequences if we’re not careful. As Americans, we need to throw off the constraints forced upon us by the existing political framework and band together in the name of freedom. Utilizing this as our foundational core will allow us to view each other equally as we’re all working toward the same goal; to be free.
Freedom has multiple definitions
The power or right to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint
Absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government
The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved
Let’s break each of these down as they relate to our current society and see where we land on the freedom spectrum.
The power or right to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint
On the surface, America still provides this right to its citizens. The fact I’m able to write this article and you’re able to read it proves that point. But, that may have more to do with my lack of influence on the overall population. Rather than the 100 or so readers I currently have, what would happen if I had 1 million or even 10 million? Would there be an attempt to censor me? You think it wouldn’t happen? Simply look to Instagram, Facebook and pre-Musk Twitter for any number of things that were censored related to the 2020 elections or COVID “misinformation.” Why is it the government's responsibility to form our opinions within the news or via social media? Technically it’s not, but they did it anyway. There are of course people who are upset about this but I find most simply don’t care or feel they’re not impacted by the government not allowing them to form their own opinion.
Without hindrance or restraint. It’s right there in the definition. Does it sound like we were allowed to form our own opinion related to COVID without any hindrance or restraint from the American government? What about our elections? Do you honestly think there’s a free flow of information through a mass media that is bought and paid for? According to the media, the sexual exploitation of children is somehow a problem on the far right only, those on the left are completely fine with it. I don’t think that’s true. I do think there are those on the progressive left who are perfectly fine having a play by play within a children's book on how to perform oral sex. This is nothing new. What is new is the media portraying this as normal and many on the left in agreement. This is somehow framed as a right wing issue instead of an American issue. These are our kids. Give them the freedom to decide what they want without introducing complex social and sexual issues they can’t possibly grasp at such a young age. It would be like saying all those who struggled with their faith as a child have now miraculously figured it all out because they’re an adult. Plenty of us do figure it out, but plenty more are still questioning and working it out on their own. Allow children the same courtesy.
Absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government
The absence of subjection to foreign domination portion of the definition is pretty simple. America is not currently owned by anyone or beholden to another government. I could make an argument that China “owns” America in many ways financially as we’re so dependent on the goods and services they make on our behalf, but this could be shifted to India or elsewhere over time. It may be a long time and a very tangled web to unweave, but it’s still possible.
A despotic government is another story. A despot is defined as “a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way.” There’s a lot to unpack here as not all of this would apply to America, but I do think some of it fits. We’ll use the COVID example again to prove the point. I could argue that Dr Anthony Fauci was a despotic ruler when it came to COVID, masking and the vaccine mandates. I understand there’s almost always one person in charge of a certain situation; however, the fact he wasn’t even questioned provided him with absolute power. Those who did question or even question today are considered “against science” or “uniformed.” Why is it being uninformed to question? I’m not a doctor or a health provider but I’m not sure why I would be vilified for asking general questions about something I’m about to place into my body. I should have the freedom to decide what I want to do and when without being bullied into making a decision. I’m aware of the fact this continues to be a decisive topic within America and I’m fully aware many would consider my take on this to be incorrect. I have zero problem with that. We both have the freedom to disagree with one another which simply affirms my point.
The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved
As I’ve gotten older, I understand freedom is such an easy concept for me as a white male who grew up in a middle class home within an upper class neighborhood. There was never a question of me or my family being enslaved. We were American, this was simply something that wasn’t considered or discussed. How very different this must be within the black community. When I was researching the definition of freedom to use in this article, the part about being enslaved struck a chord with me. There was no way I could discuss the concept of freedom in America without at least touching on this aspect of the definition. It’s eye opening and helps me understand the idea of a Juneteenth holiday better. Plenty within our society continue to think this is a “made up holiday” or one not worthy of inclusion as a day of celebration. I can’t say I fell into that category but I certainly fell into the category of “what is this anyway?” I no longer have to say that as I have a better understanding given the definition of freedom.
You can also make arguments related to the prison system and over incarceration of the black population here; however, I’d like to focus more on imprisonment as it relates to the mind. Americans are being attacked on a daily basis through the use of mind altering tactics that undermine our democracy. The very fact I’m writing about freedom would place me in the Alt Right category for some. Think about that for a minute. The foundational principle used as the reason to untether ourselves from the British empire is now tied to MAGA America or the far-right. The media and progressive politicians have done an incredible job of convincing you it’s for your own good, whatever it is they’re attempting to sell you. Removing “disinformation” from social media or ensuring “hate groups” don’t have a chance to be heard. You aren’t being given the ability to make up your own mind. In the end, you won’t have your own thoughts or ability to reason, you’ll simply be sheep following the herd.
The ability to reason and question is fundamental to our democracy. Without it, America doesn’t exist. We would no longer have the freedom to dictate our own lives. I can assure you, those currently in charge want nothing more than to control your every move. Examples include: COVID lockdowns, corrupt media propagandizing American thoughts and fears and a deep underbelly of sick individuals doing their daily best to undermine our social and societal values. This is the America we live in today, this is the legacy we’re leaving our children.
As we celebrate the founding of America this 4th of July holiday, I urge you to think about the freedoms we have today. Consider the possibility of those being taken away and how your life would change. As Americans, we’re constantly striving to do more, be more and accrue as much wealth as possible so we can fill our ever expanding garages, closets and storage units. As you gather with your family at the lake or for backyard cookouts, take a minute to think about those who risked it all in order for you to have those items gathering dust on a shelf.
When you have time, hop on over to your storage unit and pull out the 3-4 American flags sitting in the corner. The 13 red and white stripes and 50 stars on a plain of blue tell the story of a nation still attempting to find itself almost 250 years after its founding. Imperfect as we may be, freedom remains our greatest gift to the world and each other. John Adams said it best:
“It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews (shows), games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.”
In other words, get out there and celebrate America. Let freedom ring for all to hear.
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