Freedom?

What is freedom? As we leave this Memorial Day behind us, it's a question that....gnaws at my mind. My Dad died on Memorial Day 2004, and he also served for many years in the military, so it has a special significance besides the obvious. Is freedom the ability to do what you want, when you want? In theory that sounds great, in practice, it has some hurdles to clear, not least of which is having a cushion for missteps. What if what I wanted to do was rob a bank? Some would say "More power to ya", because the banks are crooks anyway, and they're insured. Yet that money belongs to someone else. I would be breaking my own rule of "depriving no one of their life, liberty, or property without their consent". Is freedom the ability to live your life as you so choose and in whatever manner you can provide for, so long as you are depriving no one of their life, liberty, or property? I would say that's close, but we in America are not at that point. Not even close. "Bollocks", you say. We have the rights and protections that brave Americans have fought and died for and can live in whatever manner not proscribed by the Constitution. Well....about that. That may be the case in theory. In practice, it is more like....we live in whatever manner not proscribed by politicians intent on maintaining power, as indicated by whatever business they're in the pockets of and as it coincides with the social agenda of the day, in no particular order of importance. In America, you cannot own land, you cannot transport yourself without permitting, you cannot fish or hunt, i.e. provide for yourself, without permitting, you cannot earn money without remitting a portion to the government, and the way you earn it shall be in accordance with the will of the state. Failing to capitulate to these demands give one a hard row to hoe, and leads to injustice in a land where justice is, ostensibly, blind. Justice in America is NOT blind, and has favorites. It goes where the money is, or to who is adept enough to see through the volumes and volumes of law that is used to bind you to the will of the state. Is that kind of "freedom" worth fighting and dying for? Make no mistake....I appreciate the efforts of our soldiers thus far in securing the rights we do have, which many take for granted. But if this is the brand of freedom that can be expected as a result of your efforts, it might be better not to waste your time and lives, and start considering other alternatives.