Freedom's Challenge

Freedom is a majestic word that entails so much. It is a word that brings to mind bald eagles soaring high, the Flag waving majestically in the wind, or Founding Fathers debating at the Constitutional Conventions. Freedom is a word that brings to mind such quotes as Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death," or Abraham Lincoln's "Freedom is the last, best hope of the earth."

It should be noted that freedom itself carries a responsibility. Just as the right of voting carries the reciprocal responsibility of actually participating in elections, freedom has a reciprocal. The responsibility of freedom is to keep freedom, for this and subsequent generations. As Abraham Lincoln said, "From where can we expect the approach of danger? I tell you, if it ever reaches us, it must spring up amongst us. As a nation of free men, we must live through all time or die by suicide." The responsibility of freedom is to not commit national suicide, something that we are unfortunately failing to do as a nation. Therefore, we must remember the value of freedom and choose it above tyranny.

Not making a choice is a choice. A philosophy of apathy is a sure route to destruction. If we don't choose freedom, tyranny is the default option. Throughout history, we can see the idea of national suicide is not a new one. George Orwell in his book 1984 and Aldous Huxley in his book Brave New World both envisioned societies that had effectively committed suicide. The people, except for the rare individual, did not care enough about freedom to do anything about the government. They didn't understand that to not make a choice is a choice. To sit still in today's world is to effectively fall behind.

Unfortunately, as a nation we are failing in this regard. There is both a lack of understanding and a lack of participation. For example, the Zogby pollsters found that 75% of teens could name the Three Stooges (Larry, Moe, and Curly) but only 42% could name the three branches of government (Legislative, Judicial, and Executive.) There is a lack of understanding in the generation that will soon have to be in charge of the political system - and this is a bad thing. Aside from the lack of understanding of the political system, there is also a lack of participation in the political system. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just a little over 50% of the population participated in the 2000 Presidential election. This number has decreased by 10% since some forty years ago. This percentage is the national statistic - turnout for local and state elections are even lower. When there is such a widespread lack of participation in the system that allows voting in the first place, there is a problem.

We must, therefore, remember the value of freedom in our life. Remembering this value can be done through education and demonstration. First, it is important to educate the upcoming generations about the importance of freedom and its foundation in the United States system. Second, we need to demonstrate our appreciation through significant, if small, actions. For example, standing as the flag passes by during parades or taking of one's ball cap for the national anthem are important actions that help solidify the concept of respect for freedom throughout life.

In conclusion, Freedom's challenge is to prevent national suicide. Unfortunately, this is something we are failing to do as a nation. Therefore, we must remember the value of freedom and actively choose it above tyranny and apathy at all times.