What does "freedom" mean to you.

1. 78

   brimancandyposted 13 years ago

   It seems to me that there is a lot of talk in the U.S. media about our freedom and how we take it for granted, yet every time we turn around all we hear about is how different groups of people in this country are constantly having their rights violated. And, instead of doing something about our own problems are beloved government starts the finger pointing, claiming that other countries are worse than us at granting human rights. And, then sets out to destroy them, while they still do nothing to ease the pain of what is happening here.
   
   I personally don't think the Freedom I am supposed to be enjoying is anywhere near what I visioned it would be or should be. Why is it that only the rich in this country get to experience what we should all be able to enjoy. Our goverment doesn't care about your race, because the only thing they see is green, and numbers. They only deny certain people the liberties they should enjoy because someone with money wants to keep people without money from getting near them.
   
   This is obviously nothing new, but, it seems to me that we are taking more steps backwards in restoring freedom, and making less advances to something better for everyone.
   
   I'm a middle aged white man, and, I can't tell you how fast things change when our capitalist way of life discovers that you no longer have enough green to be of value to society.
   I would think that fredom of speach is the only avenue we have left. And, believe me, they are trying to find a way to sensor that too.

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      Chaotic Chicaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      You are absolutely right!  The media certainly does not report fairly or impartially anymore, whether it is the government saying 'you can't tell the citizens about ______' or a 'corporate sponsor' saying 'don't run that report or I'll pull my funding'.  There are a lot of things the general public does not know about.  Granted, there are some things that we should not know, but as a whole, we were supposed to be a government of, by, and for the people.  It does not say for the rich or priveledged people.
      When you combine money and greed, what you get is a dirty lawyer finding a way to create a believable imaginary 'loophole' in the straight forward common-sense Constitution in order to distort the truth of what he is actually trying to accomplish at somebody else's expense.  Instead of teaching children to think rationally, use common sense and apply problem solving skills, we are teaching them how to use the system we have corrupted in order to achieve 'instant wealth' via outrageous lawsuits.
      Oh, YOU carelessly spilled the (obviously) hot coffee YOU ordered?  Oh course we will give you a million dollars.  After all, how were you supposed to know it was going to be hot?  Really? That is what is wrong with this country right now.  The government has no real incentive to stop enabling the ignorance because if they do, then people will start to question them again.  As long as they pay off the general public with selective media and instant gratification they can get away with the greatest scams of all.
      The other issue with the lawyer scheme is the way people, especially those with money, will use them to bully others into bending to their will.  Our founding fathers envisioned a place where people would be free to do and say anything we wanted without fear of legal reprisal.  Now you have people saying 'I don't like the way you think, I'm gonna petition to get a law made saying that you can't do that anymore.' And then they do.
      It's like we'rea country of big spoiled babies tattle-telling to 'Uncle Sam' about how so-and-so is being mean and expecting him to do something about it.  We have more important things to worry about than snooping on our neighbors and trying to get them in trouble so that nobody will see through you.
      ~Sorry about that-you got me started on a hot topic and I guess I kind of took off and ranted.~
      (Maybe I should sue you for loss of time... )

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2. 61

   lady_love158posted 13 years ago

   I'm always most free when I run naked dripping wet from the shower singing along with the radio my favorite songs!
   
   I hope no one ever takes that away from me! heehee

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   1. 64

      Greek Oneposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm liberty is sexy

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      klarawieckposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      lady_love, I do the same thing except with a large toad on my head.

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3. 62

   luvpassionposted 13 years ago

   Me too...however running from the creek and through the woods more fun.

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   1. 0

      Home Girlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Freedom is when:
      your father does not have to listen to his radio - BBC News behind locked doors and drawn curtains, in case anybody sees or hears him;
      you don't have to divide people around you on friends and enemies;
      you can go and study at the University, even if  your parents are jews (or other politically incorrect nationality),
      you are not going to prison for writing a book (with politically "inconvenient"
      plot),painting a picture etc.;
      you are not geting a flu shot, just because it is 100% obligatory,
      you can believe or disbelieve into anything and openly say so,
      you can be YOU and not afraid that somebody will come at take it away from you together with your life... That's FREEDOM.
      And you have it here guys.

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4. 72

   Rafiniposted 13 years ago

   Since we are no longer a country with freedom of choice, at least we still have the freedom to be. 

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      Home Girlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The problem not with  freedom, but that you not always have a choice.

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      1. 72

         Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         exactly, but there's still the freedom to be.  That's my point.  Who cares if you have freedom of choice?  At least you have the freedom to be.  Be what or who you truly are.

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         1. 78

            brimancandyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            What the heck is that supposed to mean? Everyone in the world has the freedom to be. If you aren't free to be then your're probably dead.
            
            I'm also curious, name another country where you can't be who and what you want. Our government consistantly rates themselves as the greatest nation on earth. I say balony! Especially when they attempt to deny rights to certain groups of people when it is in their favoir to do so.
            
            Canada is a much more open minded friendly country then the US. It is also very clean, with very little ghetto. Just go to Detroit for a week, and then spend a week in Toronto Canada. Both major cities, with equal populations, yet one is a crime ridden shithole, and the other is well taken care of, and a pleasant place to be.
            
            Tell me which city you would choose to just be? My vote goes to Toronto.

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            1. 64

               Greek Oneposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               don't forget, if you visit Toronto, you can always stay at my house for a nominal fee!

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            2. 72

               Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Being a US citizen, I've lived my life believing I had the Freedom of Choice.  Opportunity was just outside my door, awaiting my fingertips. 
               
               I no longer believe I have the Freedom of Choice seeing as how opportunities evade my fingertips on a daily basis - since I'm not a football player, I don't play golf, I'm not social enough to succeed in business or sales, probably can't sing or dance or act, and I'm certainly not beautiful enough to be on the cover of Vogue.
               
               But, hey!  I still have the Freedom to be.   I can still be me no matter what anyone says, and I'm d@mn well gonna do it!!
               
               This is what 'Freedom' means to me, at this point and time.

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               Home Girlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               To brimancandy: go to Cuba or China and try to be what you want to be unless it directy corresponds to their party line at the moment... 

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         2. 62

            luvpassionposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            At least you have the freedom to be.  Be what or who you want.
            
            Okay...I want to be recognized by the US Government as the Queen of America subject to no Federal guidelines or rules or taxes.

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               Home Girlposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               You can certainly try, don't know about taxes though.

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               1. 62

                  luvpassionposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  So our Freedom is restricted.

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               Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                 Didn't say you'd have the freedom to force others to believe what you want.
               
               But you want to be the Queen of America?  Go ahead!

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               1. 62

                  luvpassionposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Not really, but the fact is freedom is restricted and I didn't say "believe" I meant become a royal political figure-head.
                  
                  Since we don't have them here, I can't be one.
                  
                  P.S. And becoming more and more so.
                  
                  

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                     klarawieckposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Long Live the Queen Luvpassion!

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                  2. 72

                     Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     Yes you can!  But, you can't make it official which means you believe it but no-one else does.
                     
                     How do you think James Brown became the Godfather of Soul?  Or, Elvis the King of Rock and Roll?  Or, Michael Jackson the King of Pop?
                     
                     
                     It happened because they had the Freedom to Be, same as you and me.

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5. 62

   luvpassionposted 13 years ago

   A seperate distinction those titles were applied after the individuals became who they are. They didn't start out in life with the intention of being them.
   
   Your not distinguishing between what you "Believe" you can be and what you "Can" be.
   
   In the case of Queen of America...can't be.
   
   

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   1. 72

      Rafiniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      (it's all in the mind) 
      
      Somebody had to believe it first for James Brown and Elvis, before they were given the title - who says it can't be you who believes first? 
      
      Besides, I'm talking about the freedom to be who or what you already are. 

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6. 74

   Diane Insideposted 13 years ago

   We have the freedom, to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
   
   Many people mistake freedom as happiness, it is not, freedom is the pursuit of happiness.  You are free to pursue anything in life that would make you happy. For most people that is financial security, and while you are free to pursue it it doesn't mean you will have it.
   
   Nobody tells me I have to work at one certain job. I have the freedom to pursue any job I want. Provided I do what it takes to make that happen.  Some jobs are easier to get than others, and some are just not attainable. But I am free to try. And many people do try against all odds and their dreams do come true.
   
   So freedom to me is freedom to pursue what makes me happy.

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7. 60

   illeagleposted 13 years ago

   Freedom means that there is no authority outside of yourself. Freedom is not a possession. It is not something to fight for or defend. Freedom can only be experienced, not owned.

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