Tuesday, June 21, 2011

You Think You're Free?


You think you're free? I know we in the United States are far and away the most free of any citizens of the world. Yeah, yeah... I know there is this freedom index and that freedom index that place us second or fifth or thirteenth. Bull! I don't buy those for a minute because freedom cannot be quantified by stats and averages.

Have a look at the big picture. Human nature is to seek freedom. In other words, the heart of every human wants to be free. Governments create a much different perspective as to 'free from what?'. For example, women in the Middle East might desire to be free to drive a car or remove a mask. Us Americans may desire to be free from our 9-5 or free from our commitment to mow the grass at church. There's a big difference, but we want what we know is out there... don't we.

As far as 'freedom index', these indices are simply propaganda. If Denmark or wherever is more free, why are people not sneaking in there? Why are immigrants not flocking there? The frank truth is that people want to be here - right here in the United States. We have the only true civil society and celebrate the most personal freedom of any country. This freedom exists today despite the efforts of Progressives to exchange our freedoms for safety, the safety of a centralized State.

Something Mark Levin (whom I feel provides very intelligent commentary and analysis, despite his abrasive personality) said a couple weeks ago has been burned into my thoughts. He asked, "You think you're free? Just try to build something innocuous in your own damn yard like a playground or something... "

He is exactly right. Even our own personal property is not ours to do as we please. We've got neighborhood associations, local ordinances, this rule, that rule... Can't do this, can't do that. Nope, can't plant a tree. Nope, can't build a fence. Nope, can't put up a tall sign for your business. We are merely free to play within the guidelines created for us over the decades. Though still mostly free, this creates some perspective.

Progressives have succeeded in building an over-legislated society over the last hundred years. Do we really need hundreds of laws passed every year, from both a federal Congress and State Assemblies? Why don't we spend a decade or so repealing and reducing the legislative monstrosity of regulation already in place? Maybe every law written and passed should have a sunset of 50 years... Let the next generation decide if it worked out or is still necessary. What do you think?

Enjoy your weekend!