The Question of Liberty – Part One

At the Virginia Convention in 1775, as the delegates debated in the Virginia House of Burgesses whether to send troops to fight in the
Revolutionary War, it is reported that Patrick Henry ended a fiery speech that won the day with the phrase, “Give me liberty, or give me death.”

Ever since this nation’s birth, citizens of the United States have paused from time to time to gauge whether they are truly living in
freedom. After all, different people evaluate freedom in different ways.

For example, some of our neighbors find the security procedures they must follow to board an airplane an infringement on theirprivacy and liberty. Others believe those procedures are necessary in order to fly with some sense of security.

Another example that is gaining tremendous attention right now is the rollout of the Affordable Care Act – commonly referred to as
Obamacare. Some Americans believe Obamacare is necessary as a means toward providing health insurance security. Others believe that Obamacare has taken away the liberty of Americans to buy health insurance that they believe addresses their needs without the interference of the federal government dictating what those needs are.

Personally, I believe the United States is at a low point – a very low point – when it comes to liberty. I can’t think of a time in ourcountry’s history when the federal government imposed its will – often in direct contradiction to the expressed desires of a majority of Americans – more frequently and more forcefully.

From the Environmental Protection Agency, to the Department of Education, to the Department of Energy, to the Department of Homeland Security, to, well, you get the point. The list seems endless when it comes to federal agencies micromanaging every aspect of Americans’ lives.

In fact, when I had a talk radio show, I used to challenge listeners to call in and name one activity that didn’t have a law or regulation
that applied to that activity. In 14 years, no caller ever came up with something that wasn’t legislated or regulated.

One caller named space junk. All the bits and pieces of rockets and past space missions that are floating around in space. I thought,hmmm, maybe I’ve finally been stumped. But, a quick Google search revealed that there are indeed federal government regulations covering space junk.

Here’s what troubles me. I look around at so many of my friends, colleagues and fellow Americans and see people who seemingly don’t care about freedom. I see people who no longer understand the concept of liberty, and the important role it played in forming this nation. A nation that remains a beacon of freedom to many, but I fear the beacon doesn’t burn as brightly as it once did.

Am I wrong?

Am I misreading what is taking place in our country?

Are we still as free as ever?

Is liberty shining bright from our shores?

I would love to hear what you think. I’ve been talking with Chris Peterson, the founder of the Patriot Privacy and Security Society, and we’re working on some exciting ideas and products exclusively for you and other members of the society.

But, it’s important that we hear from you. Take a moment and send an email to: [email protected]

Here are five short questions about liberty I’d like you to answer so that Chris and I can learn from you:

1. On a scale of 1 – 10, with 1 being no freedom and 10 being absolute freedom, how do you rank the amount of freedom in the U.S. today?
2. Does Obamacare increase or decrease the freedom of Americans?
3. Is America moving toward or away from being a police state?
4. Does the Department of Homeland Security make you feel more or less secure?
5. Should the federal government be more or less involved in your life?

And, if you’d be so kind, I’d love to hear your overall thoughts on liberty in the U.S. today. Do you have a personal story to share? I’d
love to hear it and, perhaps, use it (anonymously) as the basis for a future advisory.

After all, that’s what the Patriot Privacy and Security Society is about – bringing you answers and solutions to the privacy and security issues that impact your life. So feel free to share with me your concerns. I’d love to help.

Be safe and secure,

Rob Douglas