Civil liberties include the freedom from slavery and forced labor; freedom from torture and death; the right to liberty and security; freedom of conscience, religion, expression, press, assembly and association along with speech, (thank you bill of rights). It is also the right to privacy; the right to equal treatment and due process and right to a fair trial, (also guaranteed in the bill of rights). Then there is the all important right to life. Other civil liberties may include the right to own property; the right to defend oneself; and the right to bodily integrity.
We in the US enjoy these liberties; we consider them imbued to our very being and beyond the scope or control of governmental intervention. Yet, sad to say, today’s climate suggests these fundamental civil liberties should be curtailed. Restrictions are offered under the guise as the price, the very personal cost, of protection from terrorism. We’re told time and again that individual liberties are subject to compromise for the sake of safety. We are told it is necessary to preserve our way of life; we are also told that it is a little thing of consequence when compared to the broader grander scheme of preserving society. Yes, we are sold a nightmare existence of competing horrors. Our security is not the subject of my posting; I am concerned with my rights.
We in the US enjoy these liberties; we consider them imbued to our very being and beyond the scope or control of governmental intervention. Yet, sad to say, today’s climate suggests these fundamental civil liberties should be curtailed. Restrictions are offered under the guise as the price, the very personal cost, of protection from terrorism. We’re told time and again that individual liberties are subject to compromise for the sake of safety. We are told it is necessary to preserve our way of life; we are also told that it is a little thing of consequence when compared to the broader grander scheme of preserving society. Yes, we are sold a nightmare existence of competing horrors. Our security is not the subject of my posting; I am concerned with my rights.
I refuse to abrogate them for the sake of fear; for the terror of lack. I accept life is impermanent. I also acknowledge and embrace the uncertainty of my comfort. But I will not; no never, resign to any who would attempt to intimidate me with poorly veiled threats saying I am a slave to other’s worry over my welfare; a threat where I must surrender my personal freedom to purchase a promised guarantee. There is no promise I can redeem on an empty account. I will take my chances as a visitor on this physical plane; and I will develop a keen sense of awareness as my defense along with reason to find my way on the unfamiliar paths I choose; knowing all along~ there are tigers in the jungle. Some will lurk in the shadows and pounce when they think I am vulnerable. Others will whisper I should just give up without a fight and walk into their gaping hungry jaws.
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