We wave flags and pin them on our lapel. We say that by being patriotic we are free, but it is the farthest from freedom.
We wear patriotism as a badge of freedom but it is not so. We are bound by it. A person who questions the shredding of the constitution by the “Patriot” Act, is said to be against freedom.
The freedom to speak has been silenced, because our phones are being tapped for “our protection.”
The freedom to bear arms has been shot, because you have become a criminal by owning a gun.
The freedom to check out books from Benjamin Franklin’s public library has been burned, because the librarian has to give up the list of books you have checked out.
The freedom to find out the truth for yourself on the web has been 403′ed, because one can no longer surf with anonymity.
The freedom to worship as you will has been exorcised, because wearing a symbol of your faith can get you killed.
The freedom to tell your government what you think of them has been quashed, because your name will end up on a list of “special interest.”
The freedom to think has been abolished, because to think is to question the government.
The freedom to question the government has been obliterated, because you will be called unpatriotic.
But to question, to think, to speak, to read, to learn, is the true freedom that America once offered, and being free is the only reason someone should be patriotic. Patriotism is not just waving flags, singing the national anthem, or blowing fireworks up. True patriotism is exercising your Constitutional rights and defending them in the face of tyranny.
A lot of people will say this today: “freedom isn’t free;” but right now it would be nice if we had some of these freedoms, for which so many have paid the highest price, back.
-Magus-

Tags: Current Events, General, Government, Magus Dethen, Politics //