What is Freedom?

   Walk through one of the hundreds of Veteran's Cemeteries. The crosses go on for miles.  We humans will fight for many reasons but what the prevailing war chant is, "You Fight For Freedom."

So What is Freedom?

It's important that we have a clear idea of what Freedom is. Because otherwise it becomes an empty nebulous phrase.  And for most people now, that is all it is.

What did all these people die for?

When New York City started it's Stop and Frisk Policy I couldn't believe it. This goes directly against our Fourth Amendment Right of No Search and Seizure.  People walking down the street were ordered to lay on the ground and be searched without probable cause.

I want you to imagine, you and a friend are walking to the movies when you're confronted by a gang of Police. Without explanation you are ordered to lay on the ground. If you do not comply immediately they draw their weapons and aim them at you as they yell at you to get "Get Down!"  They run their hands over your body and remove whatever you have in your pockets. They find your identification and radio in to dispatch to see if there are any warrants on you.  You ask what this is about and they tell you to shut up. People are walking by, maybe some that know you, maybe people you work with.  If you have any pills or medication with you, without the actual proscription, you'll be arrested until they get proof that you have these legally. If you have an outstanding parking ticket you can be arrested and taken to jail. I'll bet there are many things you have never thought of that can get you taken to jail.  There was no probable cause for you to be stopped. There was no cause in any case for you to be treated like this. Some Black people would have this happen more than once in the same night!

Very few people complained about this Policy?

This went on for years until a judge finally said it's Unconstitutional. As far as I know, no one lost their job or was sued or went to jail for this. I may be wrong but the point is: the Freedom, that so many gave their lives for may be a myth.

So Please, Ask the Question,  and give it your own personal definition. Then look around and see if it exists.

I will give you my Ultimate Test for Living Free.  This is an absolute ideal and not what I propose. It's a philosophical test, a starting point, of the foundation of freedom.

I will move away from others who think differently. I will find shelter and sustenance. I will follow where my personal gods lead.  I will not be bound in my loyalties. I will not be bound in my obligations. I am free to choose who is my friend and who I ignore. I owe no one, and no one owes me. I claim a natural right to exist as I choose, like the deer or a mouse or a lion. I, like all creatures, am natural and claim my space in the world as they do.

This is my starting point of Freedom.