We Think It Free

We Think It Free We sought our independence from oppression. Have we won our freedom from an oppressive ruler only to become subject to oppressive rules? We elect common citizens to represent us, to champion our causes, speak for us, whimper when they cave to special interests, become millionaire, lifetime politicians. We sought our independence from – to be unburdened by the needs of distant demands for our money, our youth, our blood, to backbone an army of the wealthy seeking to protect their interests. We fought to ensure our future, to ensure our children might live in peace, build upon the foundation we left to them, pray to whatever god they chose, dance to whatever music moved them, sing whatever song gave them strength, speak freely of that which they believe, walk freely in search of their dream. Has the cost of such freedom become so onerous as to devalue its worth? Have we installed an aristocracy of the elite; a continuum of complacent, connected, political royalty to rule us - A government of the politicians, by the politicians, for the politicians, perpetuated by the erosion of our freedoms? A flag that is now tattered and torn by those whose freedoms it protects, rights that are diluted to appease those who seek special status under the cover of freedoms they will not extend to others. Have we become so jaundiced to the cost of freedom that we think it free? John G. Lawless 6/30/2015