Freedom as a Weapon
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
September 5, 2007 4:29pm CST
Freedom is the greatest asset a person can enjoy. Without it a person can't rise to the heights of their potential. Like all other assets it can be stolen or given away... some people even live their entire lives without ever experiencing it.
As great as freedom is, it is also a double edged sword. Without freedom to fail, we have no freedom to succeed. Because of freedom we can perform acts of great heroism, and commit the most heinous crimes.
Most people see freedom as an asset, but few recognize it's potential as a weapon. The sad part is, the people who see it are usually the ones weilding it. Those who they are using it against, either don't see it as a weapon, or refuse to believe it can be used as one.
But it is being used against us as I write.
It is a weapon for all uses. It can be used as a side arm, attacking an one individual. Or it can be detonated like a nuclear bomb, against an entire culture.
As small arms fire, it comes in the form of harrassment, stalking, kidnapping, theft, rape and even murder. Very few of our decisions are made in a bubble, so naturally, when we do pretty much anything, it affects the choices of everyone around us. However, that doesn't diminish their freedom, it merely presents them with additional choices to make.
But when what we do intentionally takes freedom of choice away... it is a weapon.
There is a war of nuclear perportions going on... with Freedom as the ultimate weapon. Organizations and governments are holding our freedoms hostage to bring about their political and social goals.
The Government of Mexico points their stinky fingers at us saying our illegal alien policies are inhumane... yet they openly abuse and imprison the illegal aliens in their own country.
Terrorist organizations hire lawyers to defend their "right to privacy", not out of respect for the law, but to buy them time to plan their violence against us. Even those of us who love our freedom allow themselves to be pawns by insisting the government work with blinders over their eyes and cuffs on their hands... then they are the first to whine and cry when the building falls.
Sorry to break it to you folks, but freedom doesn't mean we get to do whatever we want, whenever we want, just because we want. Freedom of religion doesn't mean we can flaunt the laws of the land, in the name of our gods... or lack of gods at all. Freedom of the press doesn't mean that a reporter or editor can spew their lies with wreckless abandon without fear of reprisal.
If our laws and rights are so rigid we allow them to be used against us, then we were the weapons dealer, knowingly selling the ultimate weapon to those who openly admit we are the intended target.
2 people like this
4 responses
@MyoanBiz (140)
• United States
6 Sep 07
I'm pretty much with ya on this one. I guess what impresses me the most about this post is not the topic, but the "style" used to present the topic. It's almost as if you might be a professional writer trying to hobnob with us "normal" not so professional writers with a serious subject. Irregardless, very well said.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Sep 07
Ah, I bet you say that to all the professional writers trying to hobnob with you "normal" not so professional writers with a serious subject. ;~D
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
5 Sep 07
You need a newsletter on mylot or something :)
Nice post Para. You also know me from my posts, I use freedom as an aegis at all times. I see it as a weapon in the way you put it, but its also a weapon that can be used to free even more people, it depends on the perspective. Its really something that must be taken seriously, but not to absolute points. One is not free to break the law when its convenient. One shouldn't be free to lie and mislead the people for their own sick purposes. One should not take freedom away from others for their own personal benefit (that means dissenting viewpoints too, there is no right to take that freedom away from anyone).
Oh and as for immigration, people should really check out other countries stances on it. Even in some of the first world countries one cannot abuse the law to create a citizen instantly on their soil. There are also the policies of other countries, some of them brutal to say the least. China, North Korea, Sudan, Chad and plenty of others usually jail, starve, murder or execute illegal immigrants.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
6 Sep 07
True, freedom is a weapon that can be used against those who would take our freedom from us too. The only problem is, most people don't seem to think there is a threat.
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
6 Sep 07
People like you me and Visitor know otherwise. There are also a few others too. But for many yes it does seem like no one notices, its really disturbing. I say it and mean it "bread and circuses" some are too wrapped up in that, or in themselves to really see it. That and the existing power does a good job with the charade to cover it up (again, see bread and circuses).
Thanks for another nice discussion Para. I'm gonna go to bed. I already got chided by my doc about staying up too late ;p
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
7 Sep 07
Here, here ParaTed!
With every right comes a responsibility. This is not so of only priviledges. A right is granted, thus it can be stripped away. If we wish to enjoy any right, we must also bear the responsibility of honoring that right. If that right is granted under law, then we have a duty to honor and protect the laws that support the rights we enjoy!
Very eloquently presented post, ParaTed. "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Perhaps the Media and the Mexican Government should take a refresher course in Newton's Third Law.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
7 Sep 07
I'm going to disagree with you here, to a point. Priviledges are granted, rights are inherently ours. Since priviledges are granted, they can be arbitrarily regulated by the granting authority. Since rights are inherent, no one can rightfully take them, but they can be given up.
Yes, with rights come responsibility, but that is only because, like all other assets, rights can be stolen. It is the responsibility of everyone who enjoy their rights to defend them.
Yes, Governments would do well to learn Newton's Third Law. It isn't just for physics students anymore. ;~D
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
7 Sep 07
Hey Para, you are good full of insight and very eloquent and succinct in your writing.
In other words I like your style and your politics.
You consider doing this professionally???
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
7 Sep 07
Would love to write professionally... but like most people who don't, I have no idea who to get started in it... especially considering the limitations of my condition.
I even have a book pretty close to being ready for publishing... but with all the scams between me and the publishers, it looks like Lulu.com will be my best bet there.
