Freedom

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan Mentions the word freedom to ten people, and I guarantee you will receive ten very different definitions. In Iraq, it might simply be the historical first vote in a free election. From November 2004 to January 2005, the Ukrainian “Orange Revolution” brought the people to the streets of their nation's Capital of Kyiv to peacefully demonstrate their support for Viktor Yushchenko. To those in Dar Fur, freedom may be a day without the genocide that plagues their land. There are so many more places around the world that experience too little freedom compared to what we are blessed with here. We don’t even realize the freedoms we have until there is the slightest hint that they may be challenged or taken away. We have always enjoyed freedom here. We are free to jump in our automobiles and drive from ocean to ocean, or border to border without the fear of being stopped by the police and forced to show our papers at random stops along the way. Our Constitution guarantees us so many rights and freedoms that other parts around the globe can only dream of. We can go to places like Sam’s Club, COSTCO, and BJ’s, and fill our carts with everything from 100’ flat screen plasma TVs, to five-gallon pails of fruit salad. We can buy pure bottled water in excess, while others have resolved themselves to drinking from sewage-tainted mud holes. We may have distanced our thoughts from the people around the world rummaging through garbage piles just for the hope of the slightest morsel of food. Unfortunately, that does exist. Am I trying to put us all on a major guilt trip, absolutely not! We should never feel guilty for what we have been given, or what we have worked so hard for. It is the “American Dream” to be and achieve anything our abilities will allow. It is however the condition of our heart that is the important barometer. If we feel the tug in our hearts to help others around the world, there are good charities we can donate to. There are local organizations we can give our time to as well. But do it out of compassion, never out of guilt. The great freedom we have as Americans is the freedom to give. Time and money may be tough for us at times, but we can always give of ourselves. It may be a hello and a smile to brighten the day of someone we encounter that is obviously having “One of those days.” We even have the freedom to be apathetic if we choose. We don’t have to vote or make a difference in our own “backyard“if that’s our choice. Just keep in mind, that people are dying for the rights and freedoms we have. Enjoy them, and be thankful you have them…but please don’t waste them.