Howdy Friends,
However we are not a democracy, our founding fathers knew
better than to create a new nation governed by mob rule. We are, or were, a “representative
democracy.” That is to say representatives would be elected by the people to “represent”
them in government. As opposed to the population at large voting and enacting
laws, ideas, and strategies. The founding fathers knew from history true
democracy leads to anarchy.
But what about our unique rights of liberty, so compelling
that people from all over the world go to extraordinary lengths to become
Americans? To join us in the right to, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of
Happiness.” Notice not, “happiness” but the, “pursuit of.” Again the founding
fathers understood no nation could ever guarantee happiness, that is up to the individual
to achieve, realize and create. But what a nation could guarantee was the right
to pursue it, hence the liberty. As the old cowboy saying goes, “God put enough
firewood in the woods for everyone, it’s up to the individual to gather it and
build their own campfire.”
We live in the first nation in all the annals of time
created to guarantee the rights of the individual, not the government. But with
the “liberty” to be who we want to be, and “pursue our happiness” comes a bit
of responsibility. Responsibility to gather our firewood, to strive to better
ourselves, and to defend our right to do so.
Liberty is not a guarantee of itself. Words in a document
fade if the spirit, the essence of liberty is not practiced, nourished. It
cannot survive on its own. It needs exercise, stimulation and recognition. Each
time we ignore our right to liberty, and obligation, a bit more slips away. Has
enough now slipped away that we can no longer tip our hats to the grand lady in
the harbor?
Much of our self imposed governance today is practiced by
what is all too commonly called, “political correctness.” I believe it was Stalin
who first coined that phrase, as dissenters were herded up and sent to camps to
be trained to be, “politically correct.” But wherever the term, idea and
restriction originated, it has become a cancer on our liberty. That is not to
say folks should be free to say and practice unlawful, damaging or cruel
things. It is however to say that every idea, argument and strategy as at least
two sides, and liberty allows for both to be explored.
If an individual has a “right” to say for instance, “he
believes we are killing the planet.” Does not another individual have the right
to say he believes we are not?
How about the massively hot and infuriating debates, about
same gender marriage, abortion, or owning guns? Those who support the ideas
have every right, and duty to express their liberty and act accordingly, with
respect. As do those who have convictions against them. Neither should be
silenced, chastised or harmed for their desire to pursue happiness, in the name
of liberty. But have you noticed lately that some are? And with more
aggression, vengeance and hatred then should be normal in a free society. What about
the liberty of the opposing view holders? Is it to be not allowed, respected?
Must their religions, business and lifestyles be forced into compliance for
fear of harm? Have we let so much liberty slip away we now have tyranny of political
correctness? It seems that indeed we may have.
Nor can liberty long survive if the people promised it seek
more and more help, rules and mandates from government. Each and every time the
government offers help, solutions or structure government charges a fee that
today too few notice. That fee is another loss of a bit liberty. A price it
seems too many are willing to pay.
Have we moved so far from the idea of liberty that it is now
no longer worth the bother?
When once we were a nation, a people, who fought
and died for the right to live our lives honorably and with respect to ideals,
justice and freedom, a melting pot—have we transformed into a nation of splinter
groups each pitted against each other, and the loudest, toughest voice and
power rules. Can that be liberty for all?
Are able today to look at the lady standing tall in the
harbor and tell her we still hold that liberty?
Gitty Up, Dutch Henry
Well said, my friend, well said. It boggles the mind how much liberty so-called "political correctness" has stolen from our lives. No longer can we practice the ideals we love without being called racist, or homophobic, or crazy. Now we must step aside in reverence for every other creed or religion or lifestyle--keeping our opinions to ourselves and not only letting certain behaviors pass by seemingly unnoticed, but also endorsing them. If we fail to do so, we're labeled. I believe that this world is big enough for every person to practice his/her own lifestyle; yet day by day, I see my lifestyle (freedoms) being kidnapped and mocked.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jodi. You said it all here, spot on. I find it sad those who purport to be so "tolerant" are in fact blindly and belligerently the most intolerant, and becoming more so. I worry deeply for the youngest among us for they will never know the liberties they've lost.
Delete