Freedom, in its broadest sense, is perhaps the single most significant gift we have been given.
It is also often our most abused privilege perhaps because it is the least understood.
It occurs to me that everything we do--every thought, every word, every action, every reaction, every deed--is by our own choosing. The paradox is that even when we feel trapped--that we have no choice--what we are really saying is that we've run out of options. I believe we still have a fundamental freedom: to engage or to refrain? to do something or do nothing?
And then there's the question of justice: What about when bad things happen to good people? More times than not, it is a consequence of someone else's freedom of choice having a far reaching impact on the lives of innocents, much like shrapnel impaling anyone within it's range.
Although we receive freedom as a gift, it is hardly without cost. Aside from the obvious physical struggle and ultimate sacrifice that has been so selflessly given on our behalf and for our collective benefit, perhaps part of our cost of freedom is choosing restraint.
I love this country and I am proud to be an American.
There is no other place I would rather live and no one's citizen I would rather be.
And then there's the question of justice: What about when bad things happen to good people? More times than not, it is a consequence of someone else's freedom of choice having a far reaching impact on the lives of innocents, much like shrapnel impaling anyone within it's range.
Although we receive freedom as a gift, it is hardly without cost. Aside from the obvious physical struggle and ultimate sacrifice that has been so selflessly given on our behalf and for our collective benefit, perhaps part of our cost of freedom is choosing restraint.
I love this country and I am proud to be an American.
There is no other place I would rather live and no one's citizen I would rather be.
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