Principles of Freedom – Introduction

What is Freedom? What is Liberty and how is it different from Freedom? We say we want Freedom but do we really? Are we willing to take on the responsibilities and risks that Liberty and Freedom require? What are you personally willing to give up to have someone else (such as the government) take care of you? Patrick Henry once electrified a nation when he said, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”  I am left to wonder today if many people would say instead, “Give me liberty, but not if it comes with inconvenience or responsibility – that’s just too much to ask!”

Principles are fundamental truths that serve as a foundation for our actions and which naturally lead to definite consequences and outcomes. For example, if you plant certain types of seeds in your garden, and if you care for the soil and provide consistent water and protection from bugs and animals that might destroy, you will see the desired flowers, vegetables or fruits as they mature and provide food and beauty for your family.

In the same way, our actions (or inaction) have a direct and sometimes irreversible effect on our future, our well-being and our freedom. Those we choose as our representatives in government make decisions that create the future. The analogy with a garden is instructive. To the extent that we are uninvolved and uninformed, we are personally responsible for the mess our country is in. Like the garden, if we just expect someone else to take care of it, the results are usually very poor and sometimes terrible. Government, like a garden, takes constant care. We need to remove noxious weeds on a regular basis. We need to learn what makes government work correctly now and for the future. We need to put in the effort to correct the things that are not working. This includes holding elected officials accountable for their votes and standing up and saying something when appointed officials do things that are wrong or destructive of our freedoms.

This series will address the principles of truth that both lead to freedom and exhibit the qualities of liberty and justice for all. Join us for the quest. Our future matters!