The Evolution, Refinement, and Various Aspects of Freedom
Posted: Thursday, March 29, 2007
by David Tanguay
Any civilization, any nationality, a child’s first question “Why?"
As they slowly mature through life, the first thing they learn is to speak and understand the language, in their culture. From this language, nurturing takes place. First from their parents, then friends, social activities, such as, schools, clubs, and so on. If they are Americans, what they learn on the focus of their country, such as the history, rules, laws, we Americans have lived by since the beginning of our nation. The history of how we rebelled from the King of England arouses a curiosity, which stirs up their imagination. For the first time in their life, the heritage they were born into becomes a vital part of their lives. They position themselves at the scene, what they are reading in their history books, they are actually feeling, the presence of their ancestors, speaking, and motivating them, just as they motivated the first settlers over two hundred years ago. The monarchy, we fought a revolution to free ourselves from. How we broke away from British rule, to establish an independent state. Where a man’s belief in his God, or philosophy of life, would be respected, and not denied. Where a man could dare to dream, and pursue that dream.
As the young learn of the struggle our forefathers had to endure, the brave men, and women, who worked, struggled, fought, and died, to establish a better way of life, for themselves, and generations to follow. How the creation of a doctrine written with as much perfection as mortal man has ever conceived, was completed. (The constitution of the United States)
This composition, written by men of vision, wisdom, and daring, offered more freedom, and rights to humankind, than any other written work, in any other nation, or form of government, in the history of the world. Many tried to find flaws in the constitution, yet she always seemed to have all the answers to everyone’s questions, and doubts. Her pages are open for the world to view, with the first sentence reading “We the people of the United States"
As the young, continue to learn, and discover more specifics, related to the birth of their nation, such as the analogy of the civil war, to the revolutionary war. A war fought within the very nation conceived in the ideology of freedom and equality. (“A nation, conceived, and dedicated, to the ideology of equality, and liberty, in the belief that all men are created equal, would in no manner, uphold any moral justification, or divine interaction, by excluding the rights, of any species of human life.") Again, the country united at the end of this war, to fullfill the dream of our founding fathers, the “dream" of Liberty and Justice for all
Our ancestor’s sacrifices, the many hardships they had to endure, when the world was still young. Those who contributed so much of themselves, to ensure that nation might live. We “feel" the goodness, strength, courage, wisdom, generosity, and love, these great men, and women, had … Instilled in us, are feelings of honor, knowing we are a part of the legacy of the greatness that made this nation. This is also a reason, for one to cry, instead of striking back at an injustice we see, or hear about every day. For an injustice can also be lawful, when manipulated by the flaws, created into our judicial system.
Regrettably, justice is not always fair, and can favor those who take advantage of the freedoms, and rights, they were born with, individuals who will manipulate the law, to satisfy their own selfish and egotistical natures, men and women driven with immoral ambitions, lacking in character, a sense of responsibility, to their country, or to their fellow citizens. Capitalism or the free enterprise system, as it is sometimes called, can be rewarding, and bring about happiness to many. However, when used avariciously, capitalism can become a disease, and ruin the lives of many. “A person who loves his/her country, for what their country can do for them, is a selfish person" “A person who loves the people who make up their country, and lives to ameliorate life in their country, is a true patriot."
“And so my fellow Americans, Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." John F. Kennedy [Taken from his inaugural address (1961)]
"President Kennedy"
Going through adolescence, what the young have learned thus far in their young lives is inspiring, but also contradictory, to many of the realities they have experienced in their lives. Not answered to their satisfaction, were the questions concerning the flaws in our system. The insight they have in understanding, and justifying our system, without fully comprehending its true purpose, is a grounds for many of the phases teenagers go through. They have feelings for the have-nots, but also understand, and have feelings for the haves. They see our nation, has its share of flaws. (Their abnormal behavior is actually a result of shielding, from their conscience, the reality that confronts them, which contradicts the virtues instilled not only in their minds, but also in their hearts, when they were children.) The world appears to be cruel to the young, from the indifference they see in the people around them. However knowing they have a free mind, to alter the structure of our system, to bring about change for the better. (A mind, heart, and soul yearning, to make a wrong, right!)
“There is nothing more difficult of success, more dangerous to manage than the creation of a new system. The innovator has the enmity of all who profit from the old system and only lukewarm defenders by those who would gain by the new system." Machiavelli (1513)
Going back in time
In the “40s" war, threaten our democracy, and way of life. The young were summoned once again to fight for the country they truly loved, and deeply believed in. Again many young men, died on the battlefield, defending what we as Americans hold so dear to us. “The freedom and liberty we were born with."
"Raising the flag at Iwo Jima"
“If there must be war let, it be in my day, that my child may have peace."
World war 11 ending, the generation emerging from the heroes of that war. Baby boomers, as they were called, the generation introduced to television, A generation of young people perceiving the world quite differently, than their parents. Although it did not show in their dress, or lifestyle, the tradition of the spirit, which shaped our land, lived on in this generation, more then ever.
In the ‘60s, an entire generation was in rebellion. Young people standing up, for what they believed was right, and standing against what they believed was wrong. These young people were lead by feelings they did not even understand, only felt. They were patriots, no different from the men and women, who rebelled against the King of England. “The world watched these young idealistic peace warriors, igniting the world with peace and love" the young were searching then, as they are now, for a better way of life.
"Young peace advocates in the 60s"
(As our founding wrote in the preamble of the constitution)
“We must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but it is a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it." Edward R. Murrow
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Mathew 5:9
What led us, to our present day situation?
In philosophy
An Absence of Restraint
It means "not subjugated" or "living under a rational, humanist, non-subjugating government". The achievement of this form of freedom depends upon the environment; if I am in jail or even limited by a lack of resources, I am not free to do all that I might wish to do. Even natural laws restrict this form of freedom; no one is free to fly (though we may or may not be free to attempt to do so). Isaiah Berlin appears to call this kind of freedom "negative freedom" - an absence of obstacles put in the way of my action (especially by other people). He distinguishes this from "positive freedom", which refers to my power to make choices leading to action.
Freedom has often been used as a rallying cry for revolution or rebellion. For instance, the Bible records the story of Moses leading his people out of slavery, and into freedom. In his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. quoted an old spiritual song sung by black American slaves: ''Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty we are free at last!''
the Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope Diogenes speaks to Alexander the Great, saying: ''You are my servants' servant''. The philosopher has conquered fear, lust, and anger; Alexander still serves these masters. Though he has conquered the world without, he has not yet mastered the world within. This kind of mastery is dependent upon no one and nothing other than ourselves. Richard Lovelace's poem echoes this experience:
:Stone walls do not a prison make
:Nor iron bars a cage
:Minds innocent and quiet take
:That for an hermitage
* Freedom of choice, i.e. free will.
* Freedom of thought is also known as freedom of conscience and refers to the right of an individual to hold a particular thought, belief or viewpoint regardless of those held by others.
* Psychological freedom, i.e. the ability to make the choice to not be afraid of failure in its most basic form.
* To the Jews who believed Him Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
1) Prophets, philosophers, scholars, politicians, kings, preachers, or any mortal being, has never been capable of leading any class of people, to a sane, sound, and secure society, where all inhabitants live in peace and harmony with each other.
2) The verity of freedom is an inborn characteristic, which has been piercing our souls as human beings, since the beginning of time. However, we have never truly been able to secure a true meaning, or live a lifestyle, of complete emancipation. Our founding fathers used reason, as a tool, to guide them, however reason alone, had no merits, without many diverse ideas, working together, in the solution of resolving problems. (United States,) representing, a union of representatives, establishing, the core of freedom, Men who laid down the foundation for all human beings to be free, to express what they believe, and feel, in their minds, hearts, and souls. (Freedom is not merely a privilege, but a right we all have as human beings)
3) Whatever belief one might have in creation, whether biblical, or scientific, the fact remains. “We as human beings will never be content with an explanation of life, passed down through generations. It is in our nature, being dominant over all other creatures God created in his world, to try to explain the unexplained." (“Freedom is more than a lifestyle we choose to live, although our realistic world, defines it such a way." On the contrary, it is an inborn, driving force from within, leading us on a constant search for a meaning, and purpose in life.")
“Within each of us there is a core - or essence, of true being. That is the place of God who is within us. Finding that essence is our return to God. It is the purpose of our lives, and the most painful experience can serve that purpose." Marianne Williamson
4) In everyone’s mind at one time in our life, we gaze at a vision in our mind of some sort of utopian world, although this moment quickly becomes a state of oblivion, and reality as always prevails. It seems easier to conform to a cruel reality of life, than to seek this impossible dream.
America has come a long way from the birth of a nation, a passage in the bible, which quotes Jesus as saying.
Upon this rock, I will build my church. Mathew 16:18
(Plymouth Rock, in Plymouth Mass.)
5) Surely, God had a hand at Plymouth rock. Of course, Plymouth rock had no relation with what Jesus had quoted in the bible. However, we as Americans have witnessed for ourselves, not only Christians, yet religions from all over the world, took their first steps on Plymouth Rock. In the founding of a new nation, or government, as a threshold from antiquity, onto a land where there are no natural citizens, with the exception of the native Indian. A nation of immigrants, becoming citizens of a new land, conceived in a bold, new, ideology of equality, and freedom. Requiring only as credentials, a belief in living free, also respecting the rights, and freedoms of others, to believe in their God, and to live their lives as they choose, In addition, to live by the rules and laws, the government has instilled in their country
Why do we consider ourselves poles apart from each other?
All religions teach moral development in their scriptures. When we see that languages, religions, different political views, different life styles, different philosophical beliefs, different heritages, are mainly the only traits which separate one human being from another, we all have to eat, drink, sleep. We are all of, the same human species. When asked the question, “Where did you come from?" We should all answer; “I came from my mother!" “Where did you come from?" We are all siblings, in the human family. To a child there is no such thing as a nigger, spick, whap, guinea, or what ever. These words are all learned, Love is not a learned emotion, and we are born with it.
“What is common to many is taken least care of, for all men have greater regard for what is their own, then for what they possess in common with others" Aristotle [ over two thousand years ago]
Is idealism impractical?
The world is still young! The human species has only begun to evolve. Man’s mistake was to contemplate, God created him to learn all the mysteries of life in one lifetime. When God created life on this planet, we have developed, and progressed, from generation, to generation. Each generation a component of the same seed, which does not die, but rather is re-born, and continues to grow, and cultivate. Idealistic, it may sound, however idealism is the reality of human nature. It is the reason for all human behavior. Good and bad, every action we take can be defined an explained with a love, struggling like an unborn child in the womb, wanting to be born, wanting to be alive, wanting to be a part of the world. Some trying to express with emotion, what they cannot say in words, wanting to live, not merely exist. Note: "Please do not misinterpret my philosophy of evolution. I am not referring to Darwin’s theory of "biological evolution" but rather an unfolding process of development and change."
“What is idealism, after all, but a message from the real to the real? The force inspires us to improve the world with deep inner knowing that something better is possible. An ideal is a pure idea that becomes miraculous when blended with human imagination and effort. Great ideas need not languish in the realm of abstract of possibility; they are meant to be embodied. Through the willingness of people and the grace of God, they become a part of our earthly experience." Marianne Williamson
“The true ideal is not opposed to the real but lies in it; and blessed are the eyes that find it." James Russell Lowell
Why do so many of us believe freedom begins with our personal lives?
When we talk about freedom, we perceive freedom as what we want to do with our lives. “What do I want to do?" Actually, without realizing it, other people’s lives are what truly interest us.The way other people live, their lives affect our lives. In societies all over the world, certain lifestyles of people are common in all cultures...An individual's personal life, can be controlled by the structure of their environment.
A mistake made by many psychiatrists, is to analyze an individual’s mental condition from the individual’s personal life, (e.g. “Do not give me a pill for a pain in my side, caused by a thorn puncturing my skin." The pill may ease the pain; however, it will not rid me of it. Pull the thorn from my side, and there will be no more pain.)" This example simply states, some of the reasons for “alcoholism," “crime in the streets," a great deal of abnormal behavior, of individuals, are not always personal. People who feel the pain others feel, “physical pain," also “anxiety," “stress," “depression," all symptoms defined by psychiatrist, into a category of mental illness; is actually an act of love, an illness we need, to survive.
“The idea of strictly minding your own business is moldy rubbish. Who could be so selfish?" Myrtie Barker
To be normal in any society, it seems, one must think of no. 1 first. The reason most people go to church, is for the promise of eternal life. Most do not seek answers to our troubled world because to them what is important in life is not the well-being of others, but the well-being of their own personal lives. Most psychiatrists believe the problem is with the individual, not the social environment. A lot believe in all initiates in the home. “A parent’s job is to raise their children the way they believe is right. In addition, to listen intently to what they have to say. Not to lay down the law" The’ 60s has proved this theory, with the generation gap. (There is no right way to raise children, only the best way)
“Life may have no meaning. Or even worst, it may have a meaning of which I disapprove." Ashleigh Brilliant
Mental health in opposition to psychology
1) Nature did not compose a person’s environment; our cultures are mainly responsible for the result of an individual’s abnormal behavior in society. One’s nature is a primary asset in the social order, more so than our nurturing. For our nature alloys us to accept, or reject, what our nurturing has taught us. An individual’s mental condition when given as testimony through a psychological analysis for his/her behavior, is not always just. For their demeanor in an imperfect world, is not always a result of a psychological flaw. For the most dangerous individual, in society is not the one who takes action, in expressing his/her emotions, for what he/she, believes is right, or wrong. However, it is the one through apathy, and indifference, who does zilch.
“To sin by silence when they should protest, makes cowards of men." Abraham Lincoln
2) To be well-adjusted to any social order in any part of the world, is to conform or accept the reality of the laws, and customs of the people of that culture. All nations edify their citizens to the world around them; all of them use propaganda. Free countries also have norms they expect their citizens to live by. To have abnormal behavior in one’s society is not always the will of the individual. From birth, some are born unlike the majority of citizens in their community. Through adolescence is the period it troubles them the most. Being aware of themselves as different from their peers, Some will seek counseling, which will only do more harm than good. When they reach adulthood and gain more wisdom, they realize by being different was no bad, on the contrary, they feel they were special just to have the courage to be themselves. Although being different from the crowd, did hurt; they were not the crowd; they were themselves, not only through nature, but also through nurture.
“I am what I am and that’s all what I am" “I’m Popeye the sailor man"
“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth" John F Kennedy
3) Psychiatrists study an individual’s personality, also the way they relate to society. Today doctors also take X rays of the human brain; they believe they can perceive defects in the brain, which they relate to an individual’s abnormal behavior. “If doctors truly believe in this theory, they should study their own mind." “They are “God-less!" and “love-less!" “Animals have more intelligence and love, than these “mad imbeciles" do!"
“Psychology is for people who do not have love. If you have love, you do not need psychology." David Tanguay
True freedom and peace does not come through strength. It comes through love
“It is forbidden to kill; therefore, all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets." Voltaire
“You do not destroy an idea by killing people; you replace it with a better one" Edward Keating
We cannot justify murder, by giving it a different name, and calling it war. When a nation’s constitution declares the people rule, In addition all citizens have the freedom to believe in whatever religion or philosophy of life they choose. They should not limit this belief to their own nation. On the other hand, when we have disagreements with other nations, it is not the right of a politician or an act of congress to declare war. A democratic society should include the people, all peoples of the world, including so called free countries who attempt to use propaganda, when they relate to their people. (We cannot force a way of life, unto a people who have a different philosophy of what freedom truly is.)
Most people even in America are not satisfied with the way they live. Many complain about politicians, the economy, our politicians are at conflict with each other, business corporations compete with one another. Money rules over principles, morals, and true values. Even our preachers are more concerned about what we give in the collection box, than what we give with our hearts. Our career military leaders do not have the courage to live the lifestyle in the system they claim they are defending. Most Americans will not even try to learn, or understand the lifestyle of other civilizations.
“You must be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
The Lord Jesus, preached love, charity, giving, and sharing, Americans will go to church and praise him as Lord, yet they consider communism as a dirty word. What Jesus preached is essentially the teaching of communism. (Not making millions of dollars, and thinking one’s personal life, is more important than, their neighbors,)
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself Jesus Christ [The missing commandment]
When, “if“, we define reality to please not only the conventional scholar, but also the philosophical scholar, then, and only then, perhaps we will be successful in defining freedom, and sanity! If there is no one to question life, as we know it, or to rebel against a government one believes is in the wrong. If everyone of us accept reality (as we know it) as truth, and considers anyone, who speaks what they truly believe, as being abnormal. Although they may not seem normal to their fellow citizens, such as to define “untouchable" as something that should not be touched, the word “unquestionable" as something that should not be questioned. It is in our nature as human beings to question! Even life itself is naturally questioned, so merely, a set of laws, and rules, established by mortal man, or even by one’s own God, will be questioned. (If there are no sensible answers given, to all reasonable questions asked, there is no righteousness,) in any law, conceived by “mortals," or by one’s “God."
“Suppose, then, that all men were sick or deranged, say one, or two of them were healthy and of right mind. It would then be the later two, who would be thought to be sick and deranged and the former not!" Aristottle
How do we find happiness, through freedom?
Happiness is a part of human nature, the declaration of independence conceives that, “all men by their creator are equal, with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
1) In modern society, drugs are a treatment for depression. Drug Company’s give people a high on drugs. “Certainly they feel better after taking the drug" “that is why we have laws against drugs," that’s why young people do drugs," (to escape reality.) The blues was a term used for depression years ago. There was a song titled “The story of love" some of the lyrics are as follows, “you always have to have the blues a little" that’s the story of love“. To have the blues, was to be compassionate of the troubles we face, in the world, feelings for good, honest, hard working people, who did not have much to show for their lives. People with hard luck, sickness, death of a friend, there is so much sadness in the world, “we have to feel for others," “it is not a sickness, or mental disorder, to care, or to love, someone other than oneself."
“Love is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own." Robert Heinlein
2) When we are children, happiness is easy to find. We can become excited and happy about going to the beach or the simplest things in life can bring us happiness.
Some say growing up and having responsibilities can make us lose a lot of our happiness. When we have to work, to support our families and ourselves. However maturing brings us a completely new way of looking at the people around us. When we were children, older people were Mr. and Mrs. and all our friends were our pals. On the other hand growing up gave Mr. and Mrs. “Blank" a story with respect to their lives, our pals became more interesting when they talked about something other than, playing in the back yard. Discovering something new can bring us happiness, as human beings.
3) It would help a great deal if our jobs brought us happiness. However some people have to labor hard to make a living, and work is a means of survival, in a realistic world. Some say they would be happy if they did not have to work for a living. Contentment can bring happiness to some people, however not to all. Some are happy to be busy all day long. Wherever we find happiness is important.
4) Although the declaration of independence holds these truths, to be self-evident, that all men are endowed by their creator with unalienable rights, that among these, are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness " A life of perpetual bliss, is not, and was never intended for anyone, anywhere, on this earth.
"Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold. The feeling of happiness dwells in the soul"
Is serving one another, part of freedom?
Our founding fathers set forth, into reality a nation united for the sole reason of serving one another. One man cannot be free until all men are free. A part of freedom is serving our fellow human being. We cannot survive without each other. We are born depending on others for survival; we survive in life, because of others who depend on us. In the work field we become self aware of ourselves as individuals, contributing our labor, talent, or whatever our job demands, to our fellow human beings.
A person does not have to hold an important position in society, to assert he / she serves the people. Although all of one’s labor, no mater what kind of work is done, benefits someone else. Most people are unaware or unconcerned, of the fact they are contributing to their fellow man. What they are mainly concerned about, is the paycheck at the end of the workweek.
“A hundred times a day I remind myself that my inner life and outer life are based on the labors of others"
“Only a life lived for others is a life worth while" Albert Einstein
How our ego deprives us of freedom
“I do not waste valuable time trying to understand the complexity of the human mind; I leave that assignment, to the only one with the qualifications and authority, for such a task… The creator himself" “I only have one definition for the word ego," (that is simply, being self aware of oneself, as an individual) Dave Tanguay
1) We spend billions of dollars each year, on making our selves look more attractive to others. If we go into the privacy of our bathroom, and pass gas, it does not trouble us. However passing gas in public would embarrass us a great deal. Some of us live our whole lives concerned about what others believe about us, more than what we believe about our selves. If we live our lives as an actor on a stage, surely, if we give a good performance, our audience will applaud. However only we can know the true role of our real lives off the stage.
“You probably would not worry about what other people think about you, if you could know how seldom they do." Olin Miller
2) Animals live their lives with the natural senses they were born with. Unlike humans, they have no shame or do not strive to succeed. However, unlike animals, God created the human species to be extraordinary; since he created us in the image of himself… some of us are born with an inborn trait that differs from the majority of people. (A child is aware of this sense of hierarchy,) e.g. just as one, born of royalty is viewed with protocol by the citizens “The only difference, this charismatic appeal is natural in some."
3) In America, we fought a revolution opposed to, a monarchical form of government. Theoretically speaking, in a society where an individual’s ambitions, and dreams, are limitless.
Some of us view ourselves as “kings." (The actual meaning of a capitalistic society, is the establishment of a business, as “a symbol of a “kingdom" where the “workers" are the “citizens" The owner or “king" directs his “workers" or “citizens," to compete with other business, or “kingdoms," throughout the land. Actually, we have not in essence, abandoned the regime we fought a revolution to free ourselves from. Therefore the motto of our country e pluribus unum" meaning (out of many, oneJhas not been fulfilled, until all of our kings, are united into, a united people.
Money and love (Well! So this is where all the good and evil, is perpetrated)
1) Money compels every aspect of human life in every opportunity dream, or career one might seek, not anything in today’s society or in any time throughout history has been possible without currency. In domestic and world issues, money directs our lives. The people will vote for the politician who promises more prosperity, and will always use the term, (the American dream) as a means to inspire citizens with material success, in their future. The only true force in life without charge or bogus claim is love. One’s wealth may buy false love, however true love is without charge.
2) We need food to survive of course; we cannot eat love. However, what good is a full stomach, if our heart starves for love. Some people believe they can live their whole lives without love. Although they may not give it, they do receive it. This is how they survive, without even realizing it. Life is not achievable without love! If we have access to wealth, our lives can be exciting, also tolerable; it can explain the realistic world. It can also provide us with comfort, in living our lives, convenience, and luxury’s; By our nature, we strive for material possessions first. However, it will not provide us with peace of mind, comfort to the soul, or warmth to the heart.
Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Bible, Romans ch.X111, V.13
3) By no means is money all-evil, some will strive for money for the sole reason, to change a way of life, in society for the better. They believe they can fight fire, with fire, if money is power, and power influences the people who make the decisions on the well-being of all citizens in society. They believe society listens more intently to a person with influence, more willingly, than the criminal who acts on emotion, which will lead him behind bars. For the criminal, breaks the laws, made by the people who control our way of life. To change a system within a system has always been the rational and customary way to act in all societies. Violence will always erupt, when change does not meet the approval of the people, through rational reasoning, and debate.
“When it is a question of money, everybody is of the same religion “ Voltaire
Why do we have leaders?
History has taught us, many charismatic leaders have been able to inspire their citizens, not by so much as what they say, however, by the way they say it. Hitler’s attraction, over his people, was not only a positive, and forceful, presentation, from the delivery of his speeches. However, he represented himself as a symbol of strength, and leadership, in persuading a belief, in a people, of establishing, a meaning, and purpose in life.
"Hitler, delivering a speach"
Being human, we are born with a natural pride in the country we were born and raised. Experiences that left an impression on our lives, such as the town we grew up in, all the feelings that were instilled in our lives, The nurturing we had in the development of our lives, what ever country we call our own, whatever God we put our belief in. We all believe we are the good guys, and we are fighting the bad guys…when it comes to open arms conflict. All we need is a leader who will act as a role model, or show strength, wisdom, and know how we feel, and what we believe.
Leaders who are mere actors, who tell the people what they want to hear, to win their trust and support. there are many of these false leaders. People with minds of their own and moral values they live by, do not need such leaders.
“When your intelligence tells you something aint right, your conscience gives you a tap on the shoulder and says Hold On! if you don’t you’re a snake."
“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between a leader is servant" Max Dupree
This article is an approach in expressing, common views of freedom, shared by many. The beginning of this article deals with the backbone of our land. Specifically, the ordeals, and sacrifices our ancestors, had to endure, to establish the foundation, from which to begin, a new chapter, in the development, of the human race. Our history alone, will give a child a sense of belonging, and responsibility,
It also condemns psychology for its status in society, as a science for dealing with abnormal behavior and mental condition, of the inhabitants in our social order.
It emphasizes a belief and need to believe, in a higher power, a reason for existence of life it self. How money, and love, rules and controls every aspect of our living existence.
In addition, how we as Americans are, bias, and misinformed on the lifestyles of a people in other cultures, for their beliefs, and way of life. Moreover it stresses the fact that we have never had truly experienced domestic peace, and tranquility in our own nation.
Most importantly, it does not claim to define freedom in any scientific, psychological, or biblical form or state of being. Only the author’s way of expressing his own personal “freedom of thought."
Note: please do not misinterpret my philosophy of evolution. I am not referring to Darwin’s theory of "Biological evolution" but rather an unfolding process of development and change.
In conclusion
In over two hundred years, our nation has overcome many obstacles in our journey on this planet. Our constitution has worked for the sole reason that we have the freedoms to express what we believe. “This factor helped bring about the imaginations and dreams of our ancestors, into a reality, greatly improving and benefiting the lives of us all." “Also, bringing, rewards, of wealth and fame, to the talented, in all fields of classic art."
However, in a larger sense, the life’s work of generation upon generation, of the silent heroes, who contributed so much of themselves. The first to fight the wars of our country, first to give to the needy, and toil at hard labor, to build our cities, also living modestly, and given little recognition, or reward for their deeds, and not expecting, or demanding any. These are the people our founding fathers were referring to, when they declared in the preamble of our constitution, “We the people" “Without the sacrifices made, by these great, men and women, from the beginning of our nation, until present. Who put their trust, in the leaders, they believed, were guided by God, to represent their rights, and welfare, (as a united people, bonded by a common belief in freedom.) There would be no solid ground, from which to find any meaning, purpose, or even a desire to exist, as the united people we have become.
Also, not forgotten, were the maladjusted, unable to adapt to society, and whose nature, would not conform, to an accepted way of life. They also were a part of God’s plan. For they to, loved the land, they called their home.
“Loneliness and The feeling of being unwanted, is the most terrible poverty" Mother Teresa
This is proof that our democratic way of life is simply “People helping People"
Our founding fathers could envision this day, not by as much as what our material world has become. However, they unconsciously believed, our journey on this earth, as a one-way trip. All generations could sense an end to the world in the near future. Some would call it doomsday, and others judgment day. What happened to the 50s and 60s, when we would call our society, a rat race, or dog eat dog world? In the early 70s, the entire human race, in addition animals as well, could feel the transformation in our atmosphere.
(The jungle environment we were living in has vanished.) We are yet on the verge of entering through another threshold. Another step, from the promised land, into the beginning of the impossible dream from within, which has yet to unfold. Like all beginnings of something new; we have to work out the flaws. The past 30 + years have brought about a generation, who desire to be heroes, to the mass majority of conservatives who control the wasteland of our past.
“I personally can see in a minority of the young, the same unique quality of rebellion, which has made not only our nation, but civilizations, all over the world stand." For many of these young men and women, still have the courage, and strength, to live their lives with their independent beliefs, and philosophic way of asking, why. (Not flowing with the tide, however walking, against the wind.)
This is where, I find my belief, and verification, that God exits, and is functioning well in our lives. Thence’ forth, the impossible dream, within us all, that will set us all free, is still possible."
“Ideals are like the stars: We never reach them, but like the mariners of the sea, we chart our course by them." Carl Schurz
“In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with the world that no longer exists." Eric Hoffer
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future." John F Kennedy
“These days’ people seek knowledge, not wisdom. Knowledge is of the past wisdom is of the future." Vernon Cooper
Thank you for rating my recent article, Dropouts, Like Us. That was very kind of you to take the time. We seem to be on similar pages. I know for myself, when I set a goal to change things, I sometimes forget to understand thoroughly my starting point, in other words, the dream of the goal tends to take my eye off the ball; skews the reality of what is true in that moment, and this can be an escape for me, where the imaginatin of what can be replaces what actually is happening. It can be a subtle and clever transfer of responsibility that gets me off the hook, but never solves the fundamental problem of myself. E. Raymond RockPlease log in to respond to this comment.We are all guilty of the same form of escapism. Just as myself writing this article, it is probably a way of, as you say (gets me off the hook) we all see our world is in a troubled state. Some of us become workaholics, alcoholics, drug addicts, just to mention a few of the roads we choose to living in our own world. Like you Raymond it never solves the problem of “our selves” but can “we” or do “we” need to change? Perhaps what we should change about ourselves is coping with how we deal with the reality of our times. Any suggestions? I’m open to new theories, and ideas.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Mr. Tanguay: In reading your article, may I be the first to say, that it should only be viewed by individuals with Ph.d's, and scholarly idealists with a high IQ. Seriously, that is one major piece of work. And I especially like the way you link the 40s and 60s together. Great job! However, in writing lengthy articles, I have discovered that minor errors have a tendency to creep in. As I have noted, the article is a 10, but it can become a 15, if you will just make a few minor adjustments and they are: Look at the heading "An Abscence of Restraint" In the second paragraph, As they slowly mature, stroll down to "They position themselves at the scene.......... did you mean to say presence or presents? Look at the heading "Going Back in Time" Stroll down to "The Young Wave......... did you mean to say summoned or summons? Finally, look at the heading "An Abscence of Restraint" Stroll down to "Freedom has often been used............ input the word as next to a. The sentence should now read: "Freedom has often been used as a rallying cry for revolution or rebellion." And that's it, all-in-all an article that should be read by everyone who believes in freedom and justice. And those who want to learn more about American History.Please log in to respond to this comment.Peggy, I really appreciate you taking the time to read my article. An especially for pointing out my errors, I will correct them right away. It's funny I never noticed them before until you pointed them out. I'm new at writing, you should have seen my work when I first began (Boy) was I bad. Again thanks a lotPlease log in to respond to this comment.
