Freedom

      DICLAIMER: I promise that political discussions will not be topical. I will not take the news of the day and write about it. No. The point of this is to express the things I think about and care about on my own timeline. And to just post regularly. These subjects will eventually become a topical item, so you can dig through my archives to find them when that happens.

      Freedom is about both ends of the equation. the right to do something and the right to not do something. As an example, using the words from the US Constitution, this would mean that I am free from being forced to quarter troops, but I am also free to quarter them if I want to.

      The Libertarian fear is that anything which is not compulsory shall be forbidden and anything that is not forbidden shall be compulsory. If we take them at their word, and just this once we can, then that means any freedoms or rights granted must also include a yes and a no. An opt-in and an opt-out.

      It means that the four freedoms of the First Amerndment must be seen to cut both ways. The Freedom of Speech must also include the Right to Remain Silent. The Freedom of the Press must also include the Freedom from the Press, I don’t have to read your newspaper. The Right to Assembly must also include the Freedom from Assembly. The Freedom of Religion also mean the Freedom From Religion.

      While the right to remain silent is often associated with things once protected by the Fourth Amendment, it really is a First Amendment issue. I have the right to speak my mind and say what I need to and want. But at the same time I have the right to keep my mouth shut. Otherwise I am not truly free with my speech.

      The Free Press means that I also have the right to ignore your “news”. Be it print, online, TV, or whatever. I get to choose to opt into the press or opt out. I get to make my own newspaper if I want or I can also choose not to. Both sides of the street are protected. I cannot be compelled to watch “state media” or anyone’s news broadcast.

      The right to assemble means that someone cannot force me to join their protest, march, or rally. I can stay home. It also include the right to be an introvert. but also feel free to go protest all you want.

      Lastly is the tough one. The freedom of religion must also grant us the freedom from religion. You have the right to be an atheist, agnostic, or just no give a thought to any of it. You get to worship any god you want in almost any manner you want. This also include worshiping no gods. Having no religion in your life at all.

      None of this is to say that this is how thinks work currently. This is how I think things should be. And ultimately that is what these political posts are about, how I think or want things to be.