No subject is more in need of study and understanding in this country than that of freedom.
Many may disagree citing the need to study science, computer technology, artificial intelligence medicine, languages, environmental science, and an endless list of subjects critical to our technological and social advancement. And they would be right, to a degree. What makes the study of freedom vital is it's indispensability for the survival of our system of government and a free society.
Freedom is easily defined; a 14th century philosopher said it well. "The only freedom that really matters, the freedom to seek happiness and to be happy." And "we cannot retain our freedom if we cut ourselves off from God." Thomas Aquinas wasn't the first great philosopher to advocate the value of freedom nor was he the last. To understand freedom we must have some knowledge of Nature's Law and God's Law. If God is a foreign concept to you and believe that life on earth just appeared from cosmic dust and evolved from there, consider the story of the scientists who discovered how to create life and spoke to God about their discovery. An interested God said to them, "Oh, tell me how." One of the scientist began, "first you take some dirt and --- "God interrupted saying in a firm and reproving voice "Get your own dirt."
Our form of government is also easily defined -- a republican form of government in which democratically elected representatives do the business of the people. But, to truly understand freedom we must know much, much more that its definition. Appreciation of freedom requires the study of ancient history, world history, medieval history, early American history, economic history, and contemporary history. A study of economics and forms of government such as communism, totalitarianism, socialism, fascism, democracy, and primitive forms of government are necessary. One must also study law, psychology, social sciences, earth sciences, chemistry, and physical sciences. In other words, a vast and rounded knowledge base is needed to truly understand and appreciate the genesis of freedom.
Students become focused on specific subjects of interest and obtain degrees in their fields of study. Yet the relationship between of these studies and freedom may be absent. You may think of the eccentric scientist or physicist who becomes so absorbed in his or her work that it matters little to them what form of government they exist in. The same might be said about the young mother or father who is so absorbed in their struggle to provide for and care for a young family that freedom isn't given much thought. This merely underscores the need for a solid grounding in and understanding of a form of government whose core is preservation of freedom.
Our form of government demands that our representatives be knowledgeable, diligent, and honest but makes the same requirement of the electorate. If these qualities are not present in both parties the system fails, a point which looms ominously near with fault equally shared.
We currently have an administration that seeks to install unlawful legislation to achieve its coveted goal of social reform through redistribution of wealth and health care reform.
The good news is, good people can overcome bad policy created by bad politics. A peaceful yet determined and united people will win out over hysterical activists.
We must take the pledge to halt the progressive "bulldozer" which eschews the will of the people. Between now and November there will be no shortage of political hyperbole, name-calling, false accusations and downright nastiness.
When all is said and done, what will count is which political faction sends the most voters to the polls supporting their agenda. The need to understand freedom and to advocate for it in a peaceful and respectful way has never been greater.
Reynolds lives in Pleasant View.
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