Luke, John, and I were chatting about freedom in another thread, and I really wanted to dig deeper into the issues associated with freedom in the modern world. The context in the other thread was a discussion about the "OnStar" concept and how technology can impinge on our freedom. Can we be free and yet be observed by an Orwellian "big brother?"

Live free or die...

What does this mean? As people who live in the "free" world, I think most of us have given serious thought to it at one time or another. I find this statement (particuarly the definition of freedom) to be quite elusive.

I think that we are perhaps the most free society ever. For goodness sake, look at what goes on in our little Corner of the world!

I also think that we're the most "observed" society ever. Technology is rampant for others to know who we are, where we are, and maybe even what we're doing.

So, tell me... What's worth fighting for? Where do we draw the line? Do you care if big brother is watching? Should government be allowed to use the tools of observation that are available (is it even preventable)? In the wake of the threat of terror, where do you stand?

I know I'm probably stirring up a hornet's nest here, but my curiosity is genuine... I consider you guys friends and I struggle with freedom on a daily basis.

 

Freedom is a choice. It may only be a small choice, such as, what I'm going to eat for lunch today. It may also be as big as being able to start a business or choosing what religion to follow. Obviously, at some point peoples choices will conflict. That's why you have basic rules such as speed limits. When does creating basic rules infringe on other rights? Good question. I don

 

Good thoughts, Luke! You raise some very important points.

Within our "free" borders, accountability is crucial to our way of life. I think most people agree that folks who shirk their responsibilities to society should be punished accordingly. The "eye for an eye" point you make (regarding punishment) is a tough nut though, Luke; the problem with it has always been false results when the legal system attempts to determine accountability... I.e., failure to distill down to the truth of whom to blame. And I believe that sometimes, even with blame properly established, it's not always black and white.

OK, punishment tactics aside, I essentially agree with your definition of freedom. Here in the US we are born into (or adopt) our legal system which codifies the rules about what constitutes infringement on others' rights. When Congress enacts law, we as a society in the US agree to them. Basically we're free to do anything within the law, and usually we like to apply the "golden rule" as a measure of ethics to our actions. In an ideal world, a good action is legal and a bad action is illegal. Some actions, like speeding are somewhat ethics-neutral, I suppose, and are strictly a matter of law (these usually burn me up when I don't like the law! ).

I think what's been on my mind lately is whether or not we can feel free in a world where others can so closely monitor our activities. Have we lost something in the computer/internet/telephony age?

On a more philosophical level, I would debate the question of life without choice... I think this is a question of degree, Luke. In the US, folks take for granted their right to go from secondary education to college. In many other places, that choice may not be available if you don't score high enough on placement exams. Is one system more free than the other? I don't really know.

Taking the devil's advocate approach, what about freedom to protest (I'm thinkin' Tianamin (sp) Square here)?... Certainly, Americans feel very strongly about this, but can the Chinese live with it? Is it the free world's responsibility to defend and fight for folks' right to protest without fear of retribution from the gov't?

I certainly do understand your sadness at other, stifled countries, Luke. In this respect, it is perhaps the free world's obligation to drive freedom in places where it languishes. As a matter of international politics, I'd say that would be the cost of freedom.

Another example which baffles me... Why did the Soviets so stubbornly protect their way of life when their freedoms were so limited? Was the average Soviet afraid of the responsibilities of freedom? Again, I'm drawn back to the feeling that freedom is a question of degree.

OK, hope I didn't ramble too much!