FREEDOM ISN’T FREE
Your Responsibilities as an American
FREEDOM ISN’T FREE
Your Responsibilities as an American
“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt
When we see the phrase “freedom isn’t free,” we think of our military and all they do to protect our nation. Though they are our “front line,” they cannot protect us from the incursions on our freedoms made by political parties. These encroachments are subtle and come hidden in promises and protections. The cost is very high. Many people have warned us of the cost of trading freedom for security, beginning with Ben Franklin. Chi Brown wrote a piece on “plantation politics” warning people that the more you expect the government to give you and the more you identify with the idea of being a victim, the more you are enslaved. Frederick Douglass wanted Blacks to “stand on their own legs,” not to be dependent on anyone.
It isn’t simply a Black problem. Too many people want everything provided to them for free. This is particularly true of the younger generation who grew up with the Internet, where huge quantities of information were available to them without cost. Napster made it possible to share music for free. Constant government handouts, especially recently, caused many not to understand where that money came from. Government has only two ways to give out money: take it from taxpayers or create it by printing more money. The latter causes inflation and devaluing of the currency. The former steals value from the money, as for every dollar passed through the government, only a fraction comes back out.
Our Job as Americans
Our country was founded on freedom which includes the right to choose the life you want to lead, whether that means the work you do, the hobbies you pursue, your religion and more. Such freedoms are based on the idea of personal responsibility. You can do all these things, but you have to pay for them yourself. The first job of every American is to work and earn the money to pay for their choices.
Immigrants to America in the early to mid- 20th century were strivers. They knew they would have to work hard, not only to learn the language, but to struggle to work their way up to a decent living (and more reasonable work hours). They didn’t come to be given housing, food, education or medical care. In fact, until the ‘60’s (and LBJ), welfare was very limited, which meant we didn’t attract people who wanted to live on the dole. Now, most illegal immigrants are economic migrants. They know how much we will give them (which their own countries will not) and they come here to screw taxpayers.
The second job is to assimilate. That doesn’t mean abandoning your heritage, but it does mean that your primary role is to be an American, not a hyphenated something. My family has always enjoyed German cooking – I’m 100% German. But while I enjoy researching my heritage and exploring the culture, I am an American. My values are those of my country. You have to learn and speak English here. You’re expected to work and even befriend people who are not like you, because we are all American. Forming coteries of victim groups is not the American Way. In fact, victimhood is the antithesis of what it means to be an American. Freedom empowers us; it doesn’t victimize us. When you set yourself apart from others by virtue of your skin color, sex identification, religion, etc., too often you see yourself as victimized by others. You aren’t.
You must adopt and cherish our American values, which are not the ones the Democrats push on you. Of all the countries in the world, America grew the fastest and gave people the opportunity to transcend their origins and achieve wealth, satisfaction and personal growth. Although not a true laissez-faire capitalist system, the system we have offers everyone the chance to gain wealth. No matter where you came from or who you think you are, you were not born to change this country into something that will not work. The influx of Muslims forming tight communities is a problem; they want to force their religious beliefs on us and move to a Caliphate. That is un-American.
It is also un-American to demand special treatment. At core, we are all the be treated equally under the law. For many years now, LGBTQ people have mostly been accepted, but they now demand special rights. This group is also responsible for the devastation of gender transition surgery for teens and young adults. Affirmative action is also special treatment. While it made sense in the ‘60’s where we had to actively undo the harm racism caused, the only effect it has now is to cast suspicion on people who benefit from it. Would you want a pilot or doctor who had affirmative action treatment because he/she couldn’t pass the tests any other way? It’s unfair to minorities because in most cases, they are as qualified as any other credentialed worker.
Push Back Against Progressives
Why do Democrats lead with entitlement and victimology? Simply to gain power. They don’t care about any of us. When you cede your liberty to them, they control you. There are also RINO-Republicans to shun. Your vote matters. Speaking out matters. Sadly, too many don’t understand the choices they are making. But now, you do.
“Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.”
- George Bernard Shaw
Absolutely correct. The politicians have just a modicum of caring for their constituents. All about power and wealth accumulation.