One Word…Liberty

Declaration of Independence

Everyday there is a seemingly endless stream of talk on mainstream establishment television, internet and radio. You hear about politics. You hear about Republicans and Democrats. You hear about left and right. You hear words like foreign policy, national security, social justice, economic stimulus, war on drugs, war on terror, fairness and a plethora of other fancy terms used to push forward agendas and win arguments. In fact, all of these words have become more of a distraction than anything else.

Indeed, there is a word that is seldom mentioned in the mainstream establishment media. That word is liberty.

It All Starts With Liberty

Liberty was the reason the colonies and our founding fathers declared independence and revolted. Individual liberty and economic liberty are the foundation upon which everything good is built.So, shouldn’t liberty be the basis of political and economic discussion? With true liberty an individual may work to create the life he or she desires without other individuals or groups interfering. Isn’t this liberty all any reasonable person wants or expects?

Not only does this provide the foundation for individuals to live a life of their choosing and succeed, it provides the framework to keep other individuals and groups (including government) from infringing on their life and property. That said, shouldn’t preserving liberty be the goal of individuals and governments alike? With this liberty, people are capable of great and wonderful things. In fact, individual liberty to live and trade freely was the reason America became such a great country.

When Liberty is Diminished or Reduced

When liberty is diminished it is a detriment to individuals and society. It interferes with people’s ability to live freely. Without liberty, people are controlled by coercion and force instead. Reduction of liberty hampers innovation and destroys wealth.

Although the reduction in liberty is the greatest threat to people, the reduction of liberty almost always happens slowly. The people are told by governments that small changes that reduce liberty are for their own good or for their protection. Often times, the changes are done in the name of national security. Removal of liberty is even done in the name of equality. Governments will say it is for the kids or for the poor. People generally being good of heart go along. However, over time something interesting happens.

Eventually, people find themselves living in a country where the mainstream establishment television, internet and radio seldom mention the word liberty.