What does 'having freedom' mean really to you?

[The Straight Story]

Is it being able to have control over your own body in the choices you make - whether to have an abortion or many kids, does it mean that as a business owner you can allow people to breastfeed in your establishment or not, does it mean you want a choice to go to a place that allows smoking (whether pot, cigs, cigars, pipes, whatever) or one that does not, does it mean you can own a gun or not, Does it mean as a homeless person you can choose to live in a tent without rules versus in a shelter with it's restrictions, and I suppose the list could go on all day here.

I am not talking about freedom FROM things, but freedom that enables people to make choices.

Where do you think we stop/punish the choice of others and why?

One of the things I sense from others is that "If your choice affects/infringes on me..." kind of things, but then one can make an argument that anything you do does affect/infringe on others. If you drink alcohol (or drive a car, have certain light bulbs in your house, use a gas powered mower, etc) you are more at risk in the health arena (or environment, etc based on previous list), and one can map that back to costs/taxes and so on.

How do we balance the Nashian idea (A beautiful mind movie) "Do what is best for yourself and the group to get the best result" with individual freedom?

[Sarah Ibarruri]

1. It means not fearing that the rich and powerful are going to be allowed to steal my chances in life

It means that I have the freedom to feel peaceful that if I end up sick or jobless, I will not end up a bag lady.

It means that I have the freedom to feel relaxed that my government is ensuring that the food I buy is tainted with poisons.

It means that I have the freedom of assurance that my government oversees banks so that they don't sneak under my nose a stylishly written loan document that result in me ending up foreclosed or bankrupted.

It means that I have the freedom to know that my govt. oversees health insurance, so that if I pay health insurance to take care of me when I'm sick, that health insurance WILL have to take care of me when I'm sick.

Stuff like that. :loveya:

[Deja Q]

2. Freedom to learn and use one's God given talents to make a living and to contribute to society.

If I am wrong, please edify me. It would be appreciated.

[Old Codger]

3. Freedoms

The freedom of/from religion
The freedom of/from speech
The freedom of the pursuit of happiness or not
The freedom from despots, tyrants.
Yes the freedom to bear arms or not


Along with all of these freedoms and rights goes the the onus of responsibility to use these freedoms and rights in a manner that does not infringe on others rights and freedoms.

[angrycarpenter]

4. Freedom? That is a worship word, do not speak it.

Trek fan, sorry. I think freedom mostly is freedom from ignorance, fear and want but I do treasure the freedom to complain as much as I want.

[krispos42]

5. Making the basics cheap and plentiful....

...so that the citizens of the country have the proper tools to unleash their work and creativity. Education, power, water, transportation, and education come to mind.



A progressive income tax so that companies and individuals have a really difficult time getting past "comfortably large". This is so they don't franchise the independents and smaller businesses into oblivion.