Whenever I see the bumper sticker, “Freedom isn’t Free”, I wonder what price the driver of the vehicle is willing to pay. Very often, I think the answer is much less than the driver would admit.
The individuals who lost their lives on 9/11 paid the ultimate price for freedom. They roamed freely about their daily lives and died because a group of religious fanatics exploited that freedom in a despicable act of murder and mayhem. For the victims of 9/11 freedom was not free!
But what of we Americans who lived through that horrific morning? Have we cherished freedom just as dearly as those who died? Have we steadfastly maintained the same level of freedom knowing we might pay for that freedom with our very lives? Or have we sacrificed freedom in the name of safety and self-protection?
I believe many Americans have regrettably decided that a safe society is better than a free society and they’re willing to sacrifice cherished rights and freedoms to secure a sense of personal safety. Their bumper sticker should read, “Freedom is the Price of Safety”.
This coming July 4th, ask yourself whether you are celebrating freedom or security. There’s a big difference!
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