"The Price of Freedom"

Freedom.  It is apparent that most people seem to think that freedom is actually "Free."  How do I know this, you ask?  Because on a daily basis I see how people use, misuse, and abuse their freedom.  But, when you think about that word it becomes painfully clear that we do not understand nor comprehend, the full meaning of the word.  I like to define words, so that there can be a complete clearification of it.  Then, there can be no mistaking as to whether the reader truly understands the meaning of the word, or not.  So, what is freedom?

Freedom=The state of being free or at liberty, rather than in confinement or under physical retraint.  Exemption or immunity from external control, interference or regulation.   The power to determine action without restraint.  Independence.  Free from bondage, slavery or serfdom. 

Freedom, independence or liberty  refer to an absence of undue restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one's rights and powers.  Freedom  emphasizes the opportunity given for the freedom of speech or conscience; freedom of movement.  Independence implies not only lack of restrictions but also the ability to stand alone, unsustained by anything else: Independence of thought promotes invention and discovery.  Liberty, though most often interchanged with freedom,  is also used to imply undue exercise of freedom: (Encyclopedia britannica).

In humans, the power or capacity to choose among alternatives or to act in certain situations independently of natural, social, or divine restraints. In theology, the existence of free will must be reconciled with God's omniscience and goodness (in allowing man to choose badly), and with divine grace, which is reputedly necessary for any meritorious act.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 

Word Dynamo 

Freedom, however, is NOT the right to physically, verbally or mentally abuse another.  Freedom does NOT give one the right to act out, or act inappropriately, for ANY reason.  Freedom also does NOT give a person to act irresponsibly, or to draw others into their situations, schemes or perversions.  Freedom does NOT give one the right to do WHATEVER they think it is they want to do, without thought of reprocussions or the fact that they may hurt someone else in the process.

 

Freedom is a gift.  It is not something that was easily attained.  Someone had to pay the price, and is yet paying the price for our freedom.  Someone died for our freedom.  There are literally thousands and thousands of our men and women, young and old and everything in between, that are right now, paying the price for our freedom.  And with that freedom and those rights, we must understand that responsibilities come.  We MUST begin to think about more than just ourselves and our right to be, or say or do.  Remember, words are binding, acts are irreversable, and what we to chose become will last a lifetime.  Many times there are no take backs.  They very well may be our right, but in doing so what damage, grief or harm will it cause to come to others, just because we have the right.  Should we?  Think about it.

 

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