Freedom to or Freedom from
I recall, when reading and studying the works of philosophers and others who challenged themselves to consider the concept of freedom that they questioned whether one was concerned about freedom from or freedom to.
When a group of males drafted the document which came to be known as United Stated Declaration of Independence, they probably had little idea that “all men” would come to mean all men and women of all colors, cultures (including Native Americans) sexual orientations, ages and other socially constructed differences often used to exclude them from “All men” who “are created equal ...” who “are endowed, by their Creator, with certain, unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
While declaring freedom from the seemingly arbitrary laws and rules of another government they declared the freedom to claim certain rights.
As I sit here today I am acutely aware that I have the freedom to claim that:
When I think of “unalienable Rights, that among there “are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”, I think of those who may label themselves as my enemies, and those with whom I passionately disagree; those who may be exercising power which violates my beliefs of how we should interpret and apply the words of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
If I truly belief in “all men” I must learn to treat others, including those would deny me and others our “unalienable Rights” with loving respect.
I have the freedom, no matter what anyone else does, to live by a code of conduct which honors what I think of as the sacredness of “all men”, mother earth and, in fact, this and other universes. I have the freedom to be an actor of love and peace and not a reactor to hate or negativity. Today I will do my very best to exercise my freedom in these United States of America (not America but United States of America) to act in a way which honors values with which I can comfortably live – love, respect, equal access to health care, food, housing, education and all those services which allow one to enjoy “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Today I choose to believe we as the United States of America can be a leader in greatness which begins with such a code of conduct. Those in the 12-step program of recovery are often reminded of the HOW of the program – Honestly, Open Mindedness, and Willingness. Perhaps, as The United States of America we can humble ourselves to practice the HOW.
Written July 4, 2018
I recall, when reading and studying the works of philosophers and others who challenged themselves to consider the concept of freedom that they questioned whether one was concerned about freedom from or freedom to.
When a group of males drafted the document which came to be known as United Stated Declaration of Independence, they probably had little idea that “all men” would come to mean all men and women of all colors, cultures (including Native Americans) sexual orientations, ages and other socially constructed differences often used to exclude them from “All men” who “are created equal ...” who “are endowed, by their Creator, with certain, unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
While declaring freedom from the seemingly arbitrary laws and rules of another government they declared the freedom to claim certain rights.
As I sit here today I am acutely aware that I have the freedom to claim that:
- “all men” can and does include all men, women, and children regardless of color, religion, age, sexual orientation, abilities/limitations, language, gender, illnesses, past mistakes which many have resulted in certain criminal charges, or country of birth.
- “all men” can and does include those who stand up for those fleeing poverty and all other forms of violence.
- “all men” can and does include those in all political parties.
When I think of “unalienable Rights, that among there “are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”, I think of those who may label themselves as my enemies, and those with whom I passionately disagree; those who may be exercising power which violates my beliefs of how we should interpret and apply the words of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
If I truly belief in “all men” I must learn to treat others, including those would deny me and others our “unalienable Rights” with loving respect.
I have the freedom, no matter what anyone else does, to live by a code of conduct which honors what I think of as the sacredness of “all men”, mother earth and, in fact, this and other universes. I have the freedom to be an actor of love and peace and not a reactor to hate or negativity. Today I will do my very best to exercise my freedom in these United States of America (not America but United States of America) to act in a way which honors values with which I can comfortably live – love, respect, equal access to health care, food, housing, education and all those services which allow one to enjoy “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Today I choose to believe we as the United States of America can be a leader in greatness which begins with such a code of conduct. Those in the 12-step program of recovery are often reminded of the HOW of the program – Honestly, Open Mindedness, and Willingness. Perhaps, as The United States of America we can humble ourselves to practice the HOW.
Written July 4, 2018
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