Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Liberty

Liberty is an amazing, wonderful opportunity given to us by our founding fathers and by those fighting to keep it free. However, do those that have this liberty understand how valuable this is? How hard are they going to fight to keep it? Or are they going to give it away?
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little
temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
- Ben Franklin, ~1784

Years ago in Napoleon’s day they sacrificed freedom that was easily within their reach. Napoleon had demolished the rulers in their country but in a way placed himself as ruler. The people, tired of war, were willing to do anything to keep the peace. They followed him and did whatever he asked. If they had been willing to fight for their liberty and not just be happy with what they had they could have become a very strong country.
Only seven and a half years ago the United States of America was jerked awake by cruel attacks on our country. Many people wanted to (and still want to) negotiate with these countries that have put us through theses terrorist attacks. Thankfully our President had the presence of mind and the guts to send us to war to fight for our Liberty. If we negotiate we will be giving away our liberty, the liberty we have worked and fought so hard for.
A question asked is “what do you believe is worse – a domineering government or the attitudes of the people who will allow themselves to be dominated?”. A domineering government is annoying but we have lived through it before and can fight through it again. However, when we have people who are willing to be dominated, the liberty that has been fought for will fall quickly.
Those that give away their liberty by allowing themselves to be dominated by their government have no reason or right to have liberty. They have thrown the crown of liberty, which was won by the blood of our forefathers, on the ground and let it rust away. Liberty is a gift! Don’t let go of it! I side with Patrick Henry who says, “I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” I also appreciate what John Quincy Adams said, “Be not intimidated... nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different names for hypocrisy, chicanery and cowardice.”.
I now present you with the question. What do you believe is worse – a domineering government or the attitudes of the people who will allow themselves to be dominated? Which do you want? Do you want your liberty or do you want to give it up for possible safety? Which do you choose?