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In a conversation between two people about the possible erosion of our freedoms and civil liberties, you might hear the phrase, “Yes, but we’re still the freest nation on earth.” While this may be true for the time being, I think it’s the wrong way to look at it. In my opinion, when talking about freedom we should always ask, “Do we have enough?”
We may be (or may not be, depending on your particular bent) the freest nation on earth, but I have bad news for New Yorkers. According to the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, we live in the least free state in the union. I encourage you to read the report for yourself, but if you’re a freedom-conscious person it may strike you as a little depressing. You can read the reports on all fifty states as well, and perhaps see why New Yorkers lead the nation in emigration to other states – New Yorkers are voting with their feet.
If you’re the least free of the freest, how free does that make you? While that sounds like a grade school tongue twister, it’s a legitimate, if somewhat rhetorical question.
Freedom is something that I think about a great deal, and it’s something that should be on the minds of all Americans. But we tend to, overall, take our freedom for granted and those freedoms are most threatened when such apathy and ambivalence exists.
How do you rate our freedom? Too much? Too little? Just right? Or is it something you simply don't think about?
Halen Allison, of Avoca, is a former United States Marine and has worked as an intelligence analyst for the military and government since 1998, serving in Japan, Afghanistan, and Germany. He has spent most of his adult life writing, both in an official capacity and in his personal life, on topics ranging from current events, history, and politics. After 13 years of travelling, Halen has recently returned to his hometown of Avoca, NY, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in Classical History.
“It is my hope that this blog will help generate interest and discussion in current events and political matters. “I aim to write engaging, well-argued pieces that will draw the reader in and compel him or her to consider perspectives far different from the mainstream.”
Ed Spencer’s professonal experience includes more than two dozen years as a professional journalist, where he was also a noted community activist. He also founded and owned a for-profit financial services firm, as well as a not-for-profit financial and legal services company that also offered training and workshops on issues surrounding persons with disabilities for schools and businesses. He is a pastor, a TEPE parenting educator, and a teacher, facilitator and trainer for Bridges Out of Poverty. He has pastored in five churches, and most recently founded Reverb Ministries in Bath. He is a member of the Bath Citizens Advisory Council and served on the Town of Bath committee that created a comprehensive land use plan.
“I want to present new perspectives and offer sometimes challenging thoughts. As King Solomon wrote, ‘There is nothing new under the sun.’ What remains for us is to rediscover truth. My personal mission statement (is) ‘Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.’”
