What's The Price of Freedom?
This is a question that many have asked and few have answered sufficiently.
I have a few thoughts on the matter as it applies to our current world situation.
The first thing to address is the definition of "Freedom".
You might be inclined to take the warm and fuzzy view of what it means. This is the view most often expressed by the children of the left it seems. You've heard the usuall stuff, mostly bleats about being free to do whatever feels good at the time with an undertone of freedom from being held responsible for their actions. Oh yeah and freedom to get any results that don't work for them or don't favour their own view changed by whining "It's not fair!"
On the other hand there are the things that I consider to be really important freedoms like the freedom to think and speak for yourself. Although I am inclined to view this as somewhat of a responsibility in a democratic society.
Also, the freedom to question and to criticize the powers that be. Although I think this is a responsibility as well.
How about the freedom to work and to earn your keep? Yep,that's kind of an obligation in a good society.
I'm inclined to think that just about any "Freedom" that you can name either is a responsibility or implies a coresponding one.
Isn't this the irony and the strength of a free society? That those of us who enjoy the freedoms of a democracy have a responsibility to sustain those freedoms by using them and by holding ourselves responsible for sustaining them?
Freedom is not about what you can get someone to do for you. It is about what you are willing to do for yourself.
Freedom is not about what is owed to you. It is about what you are willing to earn for yourself.
Freedom is not about whining and crying every time you don't get your way. It is about doing what you can to influence the world around you in a productive manner.
Freedom is not about destroying. It is about building and creating.
The price of freedom is taking your responsibilities seriously and taking them on, no matter how inconvenient or difficult or unpleasant they may be.
I'm pretty sure that in world today there are a great number of people who need to know these things. More importantly because there are so many people who are determined to keep everyone from knowing these things those of us who do need to be speaking more assertively on these matters. In fact we should be acting and demanding that those who wish to enjoy the freedoms of our society do their part to correct the incessant slide into nihilistic irresponsibliity that will only in the end result in the loss of our freedoms.
So wake up kids! There are such enemies of freedom rampant in this world. They come in all shapes and sizes. And the best way to recognize them is to hear their soothing urgings directed at you to give up your responsibilities over to them so they can look out for you. Every time you concede to them you permanently lose a bit of your freedom and endager the freedom of others.
OMMAG
I have a few thoughts on the matter as it applies to our current world situation.
The first thing to address is the definition of "Freedom".
You might be inclined to take the warm and fuzzy view of what it means. This is the view most often expressed by the children of the left it seems. You've heard the usuall stuff, mostly bleats about being free to do whatever feels good at the time with an undertone of freedom from being held responsible for their actions. Oh yeah and freedom to get any results that don't work for them or don't favour their own view changed by whining "It's not fair!"
On the other hand there are the things that I consider to be really important freedoms like the freedom to think and speak for yourself. Although I am inclined to view this as somewhat of a responsibility in a democratic society.
Also, the freedom to question and to criticize the powers that be. Although I think this is a responsibility as well.
How about the freedom to work and to earn your keep? Yep,that's kind of an obligation in a good society.
I'm inclined to think that just about any "Freedom" that you can name either is a responsibility or implies a coresponding one.
Isn't this the irony and the strength of a free society? That those of us who enjoy the freedoms of a democracy have a responsibility to sustain those freedoms by using them and by holding ourselves responsible for sustaining them?
Freedom is not about what you can get someone to do for you. It is about what you are willing to do for yourself.
Freedom is not about what is owed to you. It is about what you are willing to earn for yourself.
Freedom is not about whining and crying every time you don't get your way. It is about doing what you can to influence the world around you in a productive manner.
Freedom is not about destroying. It is about building and creating.
The price of freedom is taking your responsibilities seriously and taking them on, no matter how inconvenient or difficult or unpleasant they may be.
I'm pretty sure that in world today there are a great number of people who need to know these things. More importantly because there are so many people who are determined to keep everyone from knowing these things those of us who do need to be speaking more assertively on these matters. In fact we should be acting and demanding that those who wish to enjoy the freedoms of our society do their part to correct the incessant slide into nihilistic irresponsibliity that will only in the end result in the loss of our freedoms.
So wake up kids! There are such enemies of freedom rampant in this world. They come in all shapes and sizes. And the best way to recognize them is to hear their soothing urgings directed at you to give up your responsibilities over to them so they can look out for you. Every time you concede to them you permanently lose a bit of your freedom and endager the freedom of others.
OMMAG
posted by OMMAG at 5:43 p.m.
5 Comments:
my freedom is waking up seeing my kids happy and healthy every morning, even grumpy sometimes!
Then you embrace your responsibility.
Good thread, OMMAG!
Here's a long quote but a good one. I know it was a movie and therefore this is not a "real" quote (like most quotes are real?) but I love it regardless. The ironic part about "A Few Good Men" is Hollyweird dropped the ball. They figured Tom Cruise would be the automatic hero but instead, he was the zero and Jack carried the day...
Here's the quote:
"You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said, "Thank you," and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!"
-Mac
Mac - That WAS one powerfull monologue that Jack delivered.
I remember being completely absorbed when I first saw it.
I don't think that my little rant is anywhere in that league.
BTW - I don't watch Tom Cruise movies because the guy just gives me the creeps....that was probably the highlight of all TC movies just because of the Nicholson role.
Like I said, Hollyweird messed up. The power and truth of Jack's role struck resonance with the viewers. It's hard to imagine Jack's time on screen was only a few minutes.
Look at almost every movie pumped out of Hollyweird and defiance of order underpins the message. Cruise was supposed to be the hero struggling against everything Jack represented and succeeding despite Jack's calm resolution. Instead, Cruise came off like the weasel he is.
Jack was to be the anti-hero, cruel and unforgiving but instead Jack was powerful and reminded us that sheep need shepherds.
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