What is the definition of freedom?

[bluestateguy]

This is something that we need to have a real national debate about. If the United States is supposedly going to be in the business of "spreading freedom" around the world, then it begs the question: what does freedom mean?

Is capitalism the natural extension of freedom, or does capitalism run the risk of compromising freedom? Indeed, there are free and democratic countries around the world that are capitalist, but there are just as many socialist countries that are considered free and democratic.

What about minority rights? The new Iraqi government seems to be forgetting about that part of the Federalist papers. The rights of ethnic, religious and sexual minorities must be protected, and yes, even people who might be lawful Saddam Hussein supporters.

What about the military? The truth is that many of our founding fathers greatly feared the United States developing a large and permanent military establishment. Some of the attendees of the Constitutional Convention even opposed creating a permanent standing army, for fear that a permanent army would only enable a would be dictator.

These are only some of the questions that need to be asked. There are many more, but I am concerned that the neoconservative definition of freedom is a twisted and perverted one, that only really benefits large business organizations, American foreign policymakers, and a few chosen interests.

[patrice]

1. Thanks for this blueguy; I've been thinking for a long time that "we"

need to talk and think about this together as much as possible.

[rodeodance]

2. definition?---being away from BushCo directives/rhetoric.

[Loonman]

3. Dumbya and Snotty say it so much

Who knows?

;)

[Village Idiot]

4. Freedom to:

Have your vote intentionally denied by the White House

Have your telephone conversations and internet sessions recorded.

Be arrested without cause and be held indefinitely without trial or redress.

Be denied entry to a public place based on your political affiliation.

Be denied civil rights because of your sexual orientation.

Be discriminated against BY THE GOVERNMENT based on your religion (or lack thereof), colour, or creed.


Yup - that's why the terrorists hate the USA...because of the FREEDOM!!!

[FreedomAngel82]

5. I remember once watching

the "West Wing." This really wonderful classical piano artist came to the White House to perform for Bartlet and he left a hidden message saying he wanted to be free from where he was from (I believe it was North Korea). Bartlet told him one part in a conversation that freedom means choice.