Summary

The article critiques the American conception of freedom, advocating for a broader range of liberties and social support systems, such as healthcare, education, and work-life balance, over the singular focus on the right to bear arms.

Abstract

The author of the article challenges the traditional American notion of freedom, which heavily emphasizes the right to bear arms and freedom of speech. They argue that true freedom encompasses more than just these rights; it includes the freedom to have an abortion, access to government-supported maternity leave, high-quality childcare, and the ability to return to work when ready. The article suggests that a more comprehensive approach to freedom would involve the government providing support for families, ensuring that education and healthcare are accessible without financial burden, and allowing citizens to enjoy leisure activities without fear of judgment or retribution. It also emphasizes the importance of freedom from the fear of gun violence and discrimination based on skin color. The author posits that these freedoms are worth paying higher taxes or taxing the wealthy to achieve.

Opinions

The author believes that the American emphasis on the right to bear arms is misplaced and that other freedoms are more crucial for a well-rounded society.
There is a strong opinion that healthcare should be a right, not dependent on employment or income status.
The article suggests that a society with comprehensive social support, including paid maternity leave, subsidized childcare, and free higher education, is a marker of true freedom.
The author expresses that freedom should include the right to enjoy personal activities, such as having a drink in the park or walking a dog without a leash, without societal judgment or legal consequences.
The author criticizes the lack of freedom from gun violence in the United States, highlighting the fear associated with school shootings and the danger even to pets.
The article points out systemic issues, such as discrimination based on skin color, as antithetical to the concept of freedom.
The author advocates for a reevaluation of what constitutes freedom, pushing for a model that prioritizes quality of life and social justice over individualistic rights.

So You Think You Have All the Freedom, America?

Think again

They tell me in America, you’re born with freedom. It’s your given right.

Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. Freedom of assembly. Freedom to petition the government. And, of course, freedom to bear arms.

We brag so much about freedom, yet the only liberty we have that doesn’t exist in every other first-world country is the right to buy a gun in Walmart and shoot your neighbor for trespassing.

As great as that sounds, here’s a long list of liberties I would rather see. Yes, even if it means paying a slightly higher tax for it. Or taxing the rich.

But then maybe it’s just me?

Freedom to have an abortion.

Or the freedom to have a baby, or two, because your government will support you.

Freedom to have a paid maternity leave, without fear of losing your job.

Freedom to return to work when you’re ready, not when you’re forced to.

Freedom to return to work because you have high-quality childcare, subsidized by the government.

Freedom to focus on your work because you know that both your children and their teachers are well taken care of at school.

And, of course, freedom to not have to save up for your child’s college education from the moment they’re born.

Freedom to have a drink in the park on a hot summer day, without judgment or a ticket.

Freedom to smoke a cigarette outside, without judgment or a lecture.

Freedom to walk your dog without a leash when appropriate, without judgement or a fight.

Freedom not to work overtime.

Freedom not to work on weekends.

Freedom to take a long vacation every year, without fear of losing your job.

Freedom to take a day, two, or three off when your child is sick, without fear of losing your job.

Freedom to never have to rely on your employer for healthcare.

Freedom to plan your life according to your interests, without having to sell your soul for health insurance.

Freedom to plan your life without having to worry whether your spouse, child or aging parent will get medical treatment when needed.

Freedom to sleep at night because no matter what life throws at you, you’ll receive medical treatment, regardless of your income or employment status.

Freedom to never have to go broke to pay for medical treatment.

Freedom to enjoy your life instead of having to navigate very complex medical and insurance systems.

Freedom to send your children to school without fear of them being shot.

Freedom to walk your dog off-leash, without fear of it getting shot.

Freedom not to be shot for your skin color.

Freedom to not be shot for trespassing.

And freedom not to know what trespassing is.

Freedom to live your life freely without having to fight for basic human rights.

What would you do with all this freedom?