Freedom: the ability of an individual to act independently of the state without fear of restriction or punishment by the state, group of individuals, and individuals.
Liberty: The freedom of an individual that is consistent of others within a society.
Those were the three definitions my Comparative Politics professor had us write down on the first day of class. He was an interesting man, old fashioned in his ways. A retired Secret Service member and Naval Officer, he had plenty of stories. But he chose the first day of class to explain to us what rights we had as individuals. He told us that the rights activist seeking "equality" with a bumper sticker are wrong. What they're seeking is "Liberty" and that we will never reach full "Equality" because that's near impossible, and people are stupid. I was hooked, I didn't miss a class until late October, which if you know me at all, that's probably a record.
Anyways, having heard about the Phil Robertson fiasco I immediately went back to that day. Equality, Freedom, and Liberty.
We're supposed to live in a country that doesn't reject you for your own opinions and beliefs.
Weird right? It's not like that's why our country exists or anything.
So what? You ask a Southern Baptist Pastor about his beliefs on homosexuality and you don't get a politically correct answer? Well darn, I thought you might.
So the best thing to do is to suspend him from the show, that has record breaking ratings, and more merchandise on shelves than the Gators. Let me know how that works out for you A&E.
Yes, what Phil said was pretty forward, and I actually was a bit thrown off myself. But that doesn't mean you strip a man of his rights. Though yes I don't necessarily agree with the Homosexual life style, I still believe people should have the freedom to live how they choose. Phil, myself, and any other member of this country have the Liberty to speak in which way we choose. If we keep chasing after the dream of "Equality" we have to make some real changes here America. Some we're going to hate to have to put ourselves through. If we keep acting out against people with different beliefs it's never going to happen. We're going to learn to have to toughen our skin. It's what our founding fathers did going up against a country that had ruled them for years. Not everything is going to settle well with everyone, but we have to learn to accept peoples differences and opinions.
Patrick Henry's "Give me Liberty or Give me Death!" speech sums up what America is still striving for today. Though yes, it's a bit out dated, and yes the goals have changed, it's still applicable.
"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace²but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"- {Patrick Henry, St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia, March 23, 1775.}
The thing is, this war against ourselves has only begun. We're going to have to put down the weapons and call a truce before anyone really gets harmed.
So, America, what's it going to be?
Are we going to put down our guns (or social networks really) and learn to work together to form a more united nation? Or are we going to keep playing this game that has no winner?
I'm in to make a difference.
Give me Liberty, or give me Death.
