Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Freedom

Freedom has been on my mind today. No doubt because today we get to exercise our right to vote. I've been thinking about our freedom and the freedom of other countries.

Many people speak out against our involvement with Iraq and Afghanistan. They think that it is none of our business or that we should ignore what occurs in other countries. I believe these people are misinformed or worse without compassion for their fellow man.

We did not win our freedom from England without the help of other countries. The Jews did not gain freedom from Germany without help, in fact very few of them were able to fight at all. Throughout history the freedom of one people is often gained only with the help of another.

Why should we be the ones to help? Because we can. That should be all the reason that is needed. Freedom has no price. It is worth every sacrifice to achieve. It is hypocritical to claim to believe in freedom, yet do nothing when others do not have it.

Those soldiers that have died in these countries have not died in vain. We dishonor them by suggesting that this is the case. They died heroes, fighting for freedom. They died selfless, because it was not their own freedom they fought for. They died honorably, serving their country.

It is only because Americans were willing to die for freedom that we have the right to voice our opinions about government. That we had the right to vote today. That if we are unhappy with government we can change it.

I hope that one day all people will be able to say that they are free. We should be proud and honored to help bring that freedom to them.