I was having a difficult time coming up with a topic for this 4th of July. I started thinking about what freedom is. And to me freedom is the ability to do whatever I wish, in accordance with the law or course. Now just because I do whatever I wish doesn’t mean that there aren’t consequences to what I do, either financially or otherwise.

The 4th of July here in the U.S is our Independence Day. We celebrate freedom. Freedom to speak out against our representatives if we feel we are being improperly represented. Freedom to congregate in protest. Freedom to travel the country and other countries at will without having to get permission from anyone. These and many others. I believe I have heard on the radio (remember I’ve been away for a week basically) that the issue of ratifying the constitution to make burning or desecration of the flag against the law. Now I ask, is this the best way to ensure the freedom of the people? Do I think this sort of activity good or acceptable? No, I don’t. Would I do it? No I wouldn’t. But, if we are truly a free society, shouldn’t we be free to burn or desecrate the flag in protest?

What about helmet laws? If we are a free society why then are there helmet laws also? Shouldn’t I be free to choose to wear a helmet or not? I personally would not ride a motorcycle without a helmet. I don’t believe it the wisest thing to do. But I don’t believe I should be told by the government that I must wear a helmet, it’s an infringement of my freedom.

Now also in the news, I’ve heard talk of the 5th amendment being changed by the Supreme court. I saw it in this article at http://www.washingtonpost.com. This is an outrage !!! Why should I, as a citizen have to give the government my property which I worked hard for if they think it will better serve the public? Is this another case of the government thinking it can spend my money better than I? People work hard for what they have. It’s hard enough to get property without having to worry if the government will find something it wants to do with my property. Also, think of the men and women who have died to protect our constitution, what would their thoughts be on this matter?

Now, I apologize that this post that should be patriotic and inspiring has turned into a rant. But these are just some of the things on my mind this 4th of July. I think it farther goes to show that we should be very careful when selecting our leaders and judges. Ensure that we elect officials that will not impose their will on the people at large just because they can and “they” think it will be better. This has happened recently on a couple of issues, the one I mentioned above, and the one which I’m about to mention. Now on this next issue, which I really have no bias against, but I don’t think it was the proper route to incorporate and that issue is gay marriage. I personally could care less. It’s their life, let them do as they please. Why should I care? Do I believe in it? Not necessarily, but I’m not against it. My belief has always been to live and let live. As long as you leave me alone, I’ll leave you alone. It is, by the way, a free country.

Keith