What is freedom and what does it mean to you Essay

What is freedom and what does it mean to you - Essay Example If the government oversteps its bounds, as outlined in the Constitution, the people can and loyal patriots would dismantle the government then build another that adhered to the peoples will. Freedom is a concept that requires a continual effort to preserve whether fighting on the battlefield, speaking at city council meetings or by simply voting. The meaning of freedom is broad but my personal viewpoint narrow and defined. Simply put, an American has unrestricted personal freedoms. Of course the ‘your rights stop at my nose’ clichà © applies as does the ‘no harm no foul’ rule. My conception of freedom was drawn from those who offered their definition in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The government, by law, should be allowed only to enact legislation that follows the ‘no harm’ rule. Those who cause harm to others should be justly punished but those who are excising personal freedom, their constitutionally guaranteed right, should be allowed to pursue happiness in whatever manner they choose. Overwhelmingly, lawmakers and the public have approved the substitution of money for freedom as quickly as they have sacrificed liberty for security in the ‘war on terror.’ Subjects such as euthanasia and abortion are but two of the more high profile issues surrounding personal freedoms. Seatbelt and helmet laws, prostitution, bigamy, and gambling are other examples of ‘no harm’ laws. The justification for seatbelt/helmet laws is that fewer and less severe injuries are sustained as a result of the law which, when properly enforced, ultimately lowers the cost of health care for everyone. Prostitution laws are ridiculous. What else can yo u give away but can’t legally sell? Gambling is illegal and immoral unless the state does it and calls it lottery. Other activities popularly trumpeted under the personal freedom umbrella such as smoking in public, carrying concealed firearms or