LINDSEY MILLER

Freedom

What is it?

Freedom is a choice that is made for the better of everyone involved.

It is hard to clearly define.Therefore, it has its consequences, which we

have seen throughout our nation’s history.

I came across several different definitions and found it hard to choose just one.

Definition

“the state or fact of being free from servitude, constraint, inhibition, etc.; liberty” Oxford English Dictionary Online Relates to freedom as the absence of slavery

“the power to determine action without restraint” Dictionary.com Speaks of our freedom to make decisions and use the

power of imagination“political or national independence”

Dictionary.com Refers to America’s freedom and independence from

England

Are we really free?History

The 1st Amendment: Grants freedom of press, speech, religion, assembly and petition. Issues raised:

A person can’t go into a crowded building and yell “fire” or “bomb”. People are sometimes arrested for shouting profanity in public. God is kept out of schools and some other public places.

The 2nd Amendment: Guarantees the right of people to keep and bear arms. Issue raised:

There have been many laws and court cases since then that have regulated and control the ownership of guns.

Each state has its own laws about this.

The 8th Amendment: States that no excessive bail or fines will be imposed, and that no cruel or unusual

punishment will be inflicted. Bails and charges are often too expensive for the crime being suspected. Guantanamo Bay is a perfect example of harsh punishment.

Slavery was abolished long ago to grant freedom to African Americans. Our country is becoming more equal each and every day.

My Freedom

I sadly admit that I take my freedom for granted too often.

I consider freedom a combination of all of these definitions.

Freedoms in my life: Opportunity to receive an education Easiness of worshiping God and practicing religion Chance to make my own personal decisions and do

what’s best for my life Fact of never being forced to work for anyone during

my life

Freedom Quotes

I found some very interesting and touching quotes about freedom. (quotegarden.com)

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” Thomas Paine

“Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed- else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Dwight D. Eisenhower

“It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken away from you.” Dick Cheney

“Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.” Moshe Dayan