2008 Woodie Awards
What is the true meaning of freedom?
Shane Daniels
Issue date: 2/15/05 Section: Forum
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In addition to the exaggeration of the word "freedom" in his inaugural speech, religious leaders even prayed for Bush and his presidency. What does this mean? By co-signing Bush's agenda, these religious scholars imply that God is in favor of forcing another country's people into submission of American government, beliefs and way of life.
Furthermore, this implies that God is only on America's side and the rest of the world is evil and wrong. God bless America and no place else. What type of God would support war or any other form of imperialism? Is this our idea of freedom? With more than $200 billion dedicated to the upkeep of military personnel, less money is being provided for the social needs of this country. This means that the cycle of poor health care and education for many citizens will continue. In the land of freedom, how can one community have great resources and another lack them (West Chester vs. North Philly, for example)?
The philosopher Epictutus believed that "only the educated are free," but poor education is not education. In an environment with few resources, how can one be expected to dream and pursue happiness when one is constrained by poverty? Why wouldn't more money be dedicated to American communities? For example, in oneweek, America gave $350 million to relief efforts for the Tsunami victims (which is great), but what if that money was used for poor American neighborhoods? Is the world designed so only a few can have an opportunity at freedom? How can someone be "free" knowing that the field of opportunity is biased and unequal?
What do we mean when we say that we are "free" or that we are promoting freedom? These are the questions that not only Albert Einstein, Malcolm X, and others asked, but they are questions that we must continually ask as well.
Shane Daniels is a student at West Chester University.
Furthermore, this implies that God is only on America's side and the rest of the world is evil and wrong. God bless America and no place else. What type of God would support war or any other form of imperialism? Is this our idea of freedom? With more than $200 billion dedicated to the upkeep of military personnel, less money is being provided for the social needs of this country. This means that the cycle of poor health care and education for many citizens will continue. In the land of freedom, how can one community have great resources and another lack them (West Chester vs. North Philly, for example)?
The philosopher Epictutus believed that "only the educated are free," but poor education is not education. In an environment with few resources, how can one be expected to dream and pursue happiness when one is constrained by poverty? Why wouldn't more money be dedicated to American communities? For example, in oneweek, America gave $350 million to relief efforts for the Tsunami victims (which is great), but what if that money was used for poor American neighborhoods? Is the world designed so only a few can have an opportunity at freedom? How can someone be "free" knowing that the field of opportunity is biased and unequal?
What do we mean when we say that we are "free" or that we are promoting freedom? These are the questions that not only Albert Einstein, Malcolm X, and others asked, but they are questions that we must continually ask as well.
Shane Daniels is a student at West Chester University.
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