I found it interesting that during the debate last night, Dubya mentioned the “L” word. Sorry, pervs, not that “L” word. The other one. Liberty. It is really an excellent word, isn’t it? I was just surprised to hear it from those lips. There are several definitions of the word liberty that simply do not mesh with the idea of our government today. Take a look:
- Freedom from unjust or undue governmental control.
- The condition of being free from restriction or control.
- The right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one’s own choosing.
- The condition of being physically and legally free from confinement, servitude, or forced labor.
- A right or immunity to engage in certain actions without control or interference.
The power of liberty. Not just being able to vote, or decide what job to hold, but simply being free of outside control and able to pursue our own ends. This may seem akin to anarchy for some, until you realize that in order for you to have liberty, you have to be free from my control as well. If I want that choice, I must make sure that you will have it too.
Our government has decided that they know best. Countless times last night we were told how the government needs to do this or the government needs to do that. Why? Why does the government have to protect us, and in so doing, take away our liberties? Is it really worth feeling safe, if in so doing, we have lost what we cherished?
Terrorists provide one thing: Terror. A fear that is meant to paralyze us and make our life more like theirs. That is exactly what is happening. I am sorry for the lives that have been lost in this fight, no matter where the lives were lost or which side lost them. What I don’t get is why we are so fired up to give up the liberties that make us who we are, and make our lives more like those we fear. If we do that, they have already won.