What is the nature of Freedom? Is freedom just the freedom of movement? Just the freedom to consume and collect more wealth than one could ever use, while allowing many to suffer from the basic necessities of life?

Human dignity and freedom are so inter-related that one without the other is impossible. Where is our human dignity without basic necessities, essential for the expression of dignity? Perhaps it should have stated: "Life, Liberty, Expression of our Human Dignity, and Pursuit of Happiness".

For where or what, is freedom and liberty, without our Basic Expression of Human Dignity? Where and how can the 'Pursuit of Happiness' occur without Dignity? Where is our freedom without a living wage to uphold our 'Basic Expression of Dignity'? How can 'Basic Human Dignity' be expressed while one is suffering from want?

Want of decent food, want of clean clothes, want of medical care when needed, want of warmth in winter, want of smiling healthy children, want of just those basic needs we all need as humans to express our dignity, and to feel truly free. Free for the 'Pursuit of Happiness'.

Where are those jobs? Where have they gone and why? Well, we have all watched the rise of Wal-Mart and of China's economic growth. We have all watched the rise of wealth in this Country to levels never seen before, as more and more struggle to just keep fed and warm.

We have seen our freedoms erode as the Plutocracy grows and taxes on the few decrease to pittance levels in relation to the needs of the most disadvantaged. Where is the 'Justice' in that? How can unheard of levels of unnecessary suffering be touted as 'Freedom'?

Well, there is the next election. If they let us have one, or let it be a true election without fraud. Or if we don't win and the polarization continues. What then?

© December 2005 By Ozark Jack