Understanding Freedom: Beyond Slogans and Movement

Freedom is often talked about in slogans and movements, but what does it truly mean? Is there a clear definition or a bottom line to what freedom encompasses? In this article, we explore the essence of freedom and delve into the core principles that underpin it.

What is Freedom?

Defining freedom can be quite nuanced. In the U.S., freedom is often seen through the lens of the Constitution, which outlines the framework within which individuals can live without interference from the government. Freedom, in this context, is the right to live as one chooses, adhering to the mutually agreed-upon laws and principles.

Freedom as Liberty and Tradition

Freedom is also linked to the freedom allowed by tradition, which essentially means the norms and expectations that keep society stable and sane. When this tradition is respected, society thrives. Deviating from it can lead to tyranny, as it disrupts the balance and order that society relies on.

Freedom as a State of Being

A more profound understanding of freedom is a state of being in a society where coercive force is outlawed. Each individual in such a society has the right to life, body, property, money, and the freedom to act within those boundaries without interference from others, including governments.

The Unalienable Rights of Individuals

At the heart of this definition are the unalienable rights of every individual:

Right to life Right to one's body Right to property Right to money Right to free action with one's life, body, property, and money

In this ideal society, no one has the right to take aggressive action against another person. This means that there can be no 'regulations' or 'taxation' that violate these rights. Both these practices limit an individual's freedom because they involve the use of force, whether unseen through regulations or blatantly through taxation.

The Hypocrisy of Freedom Advocates

Despite the clear definition of freedom and individual rights, individuals often act hypocritically in their pursuit of it. Consider the example of those advocating for a woman's right to abortion: they wish for the government to use their tax money to sponsor abortion clinics, thereby violating the rights of those who may oppose or use that money differently.

Violations of Freedom in Everyday Life

Similar violations occur when millions protest against the use of fossil fuels, thereby infringing on the property rights and freedom of those who depend on them for their livelihood. Additionally, the demand for certain liberal or conservative books to be taught in public schools is a form of coercion, again violating the rights of parents and children to choose their own educational content, and others who find these burdensome or unnecessary.

Freedom and the U.S. Constitution

For a clearer understanding of freedom and individual rights, one can turn to the U.S. Constitution, a document that delineates the scope and limits of government power. In my recently published U.S. Constitution, I provide a detailed explanation of these rights and freedoms. Many of these principles are designed to ensure that no one lives in a state where their rights are not fully recognized and respected.

The Definition of Rights

A right, as I define it, is a 'human being's license to take free action in a society.' Anything else is considered tyrannical mumbo jumbo. Hence, freedom has no bottom line. We are either fully free or living under someone else's control, typically a government.

The Importance of Full Rights

Without these full rights, we do not have true freedom. The actions of governments and individuals that violate these fundamental rights undermine the very essence of freedom. It is crucial to recognize and uphold these rights to ensure a free and just society.

Conclusion

Freedom is a complex yet essential concept. It is rooted in the unalienable rights of every individual and the principles that govern a free society. Understanding and advocating for these principles can lead to a more just and equitable world. Liberation from tyranny and ill-thought laws can only be accomplished by respecting and defending these fundamental rights.