What does freedom mean to Americans?

[Dan F]

freedom is an empty 50,000 gallon tank.....

Now, that, we can all agree on!

 

[rmorse]

OK, you're right. We're certainly not anything like Myanamar or North Korea. If you listed all the world's countries in order of freedom, we're nowhere close to the bottom.

However, I do believe that prison rates are related to what people can and can't do - Don't you point out that many of us would GO TO JAIL simply for the opinions stated in this lounge? Our penal system is deeply flawed, most of our long-term federal prisoners are imprisoned for nonviolent crimes. I had a friend from Spain and she couldn't believe the things that can land you in jail here.

But like you said, back on track!

To me freedom means being able to get up in the morning and live my life the way I see fit. It also means being safe and secure. The problem is that there is an extremely fine balance between liberty and security.

A great example is the changes in airport security since 9/11.

There was a time, not so long ago, that I could bring my Tequila home in my carry-on. Old ladies didn't have to remove their shoes to get on a plane. Veterans with metal plates in their skulls didn't have to be taken into back rooms and be stripped down and examined. Those days are gone. Are airplanes safer? Maybe marginally so, but at what cost?

Other examples would be warrantless wiretaps and American citizens being hauled off to military prisons in foreign countries.

What bothers me about the "War on Terror" most is that we are trading a lot of liberties for little, if any, added security. Maybe I'm just insanely reckless, but I would love to get on a plane full of people who had not just had their shoes removed...

And call me crazy, but I would love to get on a plane with a knife in my pocket, knowing a lot of the passengers are also carrying knives. It would make me feel so much more secure knowing we all have weapons and can defend ourself when the moment arises, rather then the only person with a weapon is the one who will harm me.

 

[Bllib]

Being free to me is being able to decide what to do anytime I want. I also believe that just because we are free to do what ever we want means that each of us needs to use control on what we do each and everyday. Example- Freedom of speech gives us the right to speak anyway we want but, does that mean that I should speak fowl language in front of a 4 year old just because I can? Freedom is a gift!! You may not realize it but it is truly a gift. We should honor what we have and not take advantage of our right to do as we want. Be responsible for YOUR actions and enjoy the freedom that God has given you.

 

[rmorse]

Being free to me is being able to decide what to do anytime I want. I also believe that just because we are free to do what ever we want means that each of us needs to use control on what we do each and everyday. Example- Freedom of speech gives us the right to speak anyway we want but, does that mean that I should speak fowl language in front of a 4 year old just because I can? Freedom is a gift!! You may not realize it but it is truly a gift. We should honor what we have and not take advantage of our right to do as we want. Be responsible for YOUR actions and enjoy the freedom that God has given you.

God is not welcome in America

 

[voss345]

God is not welcome in America

yea i find it pathetic in my cmorning class when they recite the pledge of allegiannce during announcements there are like 5/25 kids that say it

 

[Death Pony]

It would be very interesting to see how people who have been to other "more controlled" countries answer this question versus people who have only been here in the USA.

I really wish I could do that for my paper!!! It would be so interesting! Sadly, it's limited to the US.

 

[rmorse]

I really wish I could do that for my paper!!! It would be so interesting! Sadly, it's limited to the US.

You should write a paper saying freedom is the ability to write a paper however you want to

 

[stonecat]

Freedom to me means that I can think and say whats on my mind.(with social restraints in mind) Also its about control this is what gives us our freedom. we choose who controls us. Live in a state like russia or china where elections are held, but you only have one choice on the ballet. No as far as invadeing middle eastern countries. We as america invaded a nation that did us no harm (Germany). This is the same rational anti war people have. Though they never have seen the horrors of war. The iraqis have freedom, That they didnt have under saddam. Freedom is to ones interpertation, Its not what you can and cant do.

 

[groovitudedude]

And call me crazy, but I would love to get on a plane with a knife in my pocket, knowing a lot of the passengers are also carrying knives. It would make me feel so much more secure knowing we all have weapons and can defend ourself when the moment arises, rather then the only person with a weapon is the one who will harm me.

I would like to get on a plane where NOBODY has ANY knives or guns. THAT would make me feel safe.

 

[rmorse]

I would like to get on a plane where NOBODY has ANY knives or guns. THAT would make me feel safe.

Ok. But once again, then the only person with a knife or a gun will be the one who wants to hurt you. Think about it. If a terrorist wants to do another 9/11, or w/e goal they have in mind, they will figure out a way to get a weapon on the plane. My buddy has a knife that doesn't get picked up by metal detectors. What are you going to do when someone on a plane pulls out that knife on you? Spit on them?

No thanks, I will take my chances packing. The airport is pretty much the only place I am not carrying, and I feel naked without a blade in my pocket.