How Free are Americans?

Most people believe that upon death an individual is considered free — “Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last,” quoted by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

When do you believe you are free? Do you believe that the mind is always freer than the body or vice versa? According to the bible we are held responsible for our thoughts. So, is there such a thing as having a free mind? Some people are free to have whatever thoughts they want in their minds and to make choices from the choices they are given. Is having the ability or opportunity to make choices considered being free? We are taught to believe that America is the land of free.

So why do you believe or confidently feel that America is the land of the free? Could the creation of the Constitution, Bill of Rights and other amendments, provide us with a false sense of being free or with an intentional believable plan of the government. The Constitution guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms. Our nation's government is based upon the approval, or consent, of the people who are governed. It is a federal system in which certain powers are given to the national government and other powers are left to the states and to the people.

Certain powers are shared by both federal, state, local governments. How free are we if the government is involved?

People often use phrases such as “We are free to do whatever we choose, or you were born free” that sounds good and does have some truth but freedom has its own definition to everyone. The power of freedom is a difficult discussion for some because there is not a clear consensus to this sensitive subject and without really understanding its true meaning people may never know how free they are or are not. Is

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‘A Political View’

By Sherry Holliman SHERRY HOLLIMAN (cont.)

gaining freedom a constant battle for everyone or given to certain social classes of individuals?

One way of having freedom is having the opportunity to obtain your greatest potential through professional and personal experiences. Everyone has this freedom, the freedom to make choices. We are free in as much as we are able to reject our own egos and preconceptions to give us the widest available potential options in our lives. If we can do this then we are free to choose anything and can amend our lives accordingly to achieve what we choose, which could then be anything our human capabilities allow.

Freedom is given to no one, everyone has to fight for their freedom, or someone is fighting for you to become free. Due to the risks taken and sacrifices made by those in the armed services, Americans have freedom in today's democracy.

A price will always be paid for freedom, whether it is incarceration or death of the fighter and the investment is the time you spend battling, which equals the amount of freedom you gain which is ultimately the price. Freedom is not free! Jesus died on the cross for our freedom to redeem us, and to this day Americans of all ages, socio-economic status, politics, ethnicity and gender are currently struggling with getting freedom from societal barriers. The definition of “freedom” will always have a different and a distorted view that will shape the way you see yourself, live your life, and treat others. Freedom is not a license to do whatever you want, there are laws to abide by. Our freedom is to be used responsibly and for good purpose. Freedom is not about entitlement.

Unfortunately, there are many who allow their feelings of entitlement to dictate how they live and treat others. “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13 We are not truly free until all people are free and to find freedom as a race, we must know what freedom means within ourselves.

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She serves on the Marion City Council.