Freedom's Challenge

Freedom is the most highly prized quality in any man's life. Citizens covet it, politicians preach it, and our forefathers died for it. But what is freedom really? How can we truly obtain it, and what challenges does it present us with?

"Freedom": the word that seems to be on everyone's tongue. People say the word over and over, but don't know what it means. Some will say "Freedom is America.", or "Freedom is the president." This could not be further from the truth. Quite simply, freedom is the ability to choose. Freedom is not Democratic or Republican, it is not conservative or liberal, it is not black or white. Freedom is the ability for you to decide how to live your life, and how to pursue your happiness. What profession do you want to go into, how will you spend your money, what religion will you practice, boxers or briefs?

These are examples of freedom. Freedom is about believing what you believe, and not having anyone to stop you. Furthermore, it's about expressing your beliefs loudly and clearly, without fear of prosecution. These are our freedoms, preciously few in number, and we treasure them beyond anything else. With this freedom, however, comes a challenge.

Our forefathers died to give us these freedoms, but there will always be those that wish to take them away for their own gain. Therefore, protecting our freedoms should become our number one challenge and priority. Many politicians would love to dismantle our freedoms, making us easier to control and making it easier for them to stay in power. Even now, there are organizations out there ready and willing to take away our freedom for their personal beliefs or gains. Freedom does not give you the right to interfere with the freedoms of others. If we do not stand and defend them now, we may lose them forever in a world of regression and politics. That is one of our great challenges as Americans, and more importantly, as free men.