Preface

I feel like I left some things out of that first post, so let's pretend this one came first.


America is the greatest country in the history of Mankind. The number one reason for this fact is the astounding levels of freedom we've enjoyed.


I'm afraid, however, that most people today simply do not realize how important freedom is. It's funny (funny-interesting, not funny-haha) to hear today's talking heads say things about our political drama... and then listen to a clip from the 70's (for example) and hear someone saying exactly the same thing. I think it's safe to assume (actually, it's well documented) that people have been saying exactly that same thing from the time our current constitution was ratified. So what's different now?

What's different is that after 220+ years of this, it's never been more clear: We're heading in the wrong direction!

Look, here's a couple of things in my own order of priority that I think most people would agree are important to a smooth, enjoyable life:
1. freedom
2. safety/security
3. equality

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, you can probably think of several more to add. My issue is with people's priorities. We all know the motto "Safety First!" Rubbish. Usually it's used in a workplace setting due to legal liability issues. Equality? Don't get me started. (I guess I'm getting myself started, aren't I?). The only reason equality made it to number 3 on this list is because there are only 3 things on it! That issue deserves its own post though so I'll save it. This list is meant to bring to light mainly the first two, which are often at odds with each other, i.e. it seems you have to sacrifice a little of one to have more of the other.

A pretty famous quote goes, "Those who would sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither." -Benjamin Franklin

Think about it....

Most importantly: Although I'll attempt to present reasons why and how freedom is ideal for achieving this goal or that goal, I must emphasize the main reason for advocating extreme levels of freedom... It allows for the most fulfilling life you can imagine for yourself. It is more than just a means to an end, a life of freedom is its own glorious end!

Number One

Well, as one might guess from the title, I plan to have a running theme on this blog: Freedom.
That might sound kind of vague to some, but my goal here is to show how freedom can be the antidote to many of humanity's everyday problems. I don't actually have all the answers articulated yet, but that's what this blog is for.

Many people speak of the necessity for freedom in the market i.e. free market -- and of course healthcare is a major current issue in which the government is threatening to take away one of our most basic freedoms. I'll give my takes on these subjects and more -- mostly by providing links to smarter people than myself.

I'll also seek to extend the principles of freedom to improve relationships, parenting, and the overall enjoyment of life -- all of which I am working on in my own life -- just to name a few.

Most importantly though, I hope to just wake a few people up. If I can point just a handful of people to Milton Friedman, for example, that otherwise never would have heard of him, then I guess I did something positive with this.

So, without any futher commentary, I'll start with that. If you are so inclined, try http://www.ideachannel.tv/ . This site has lots of great videos from a lecture series he did years ago. You can also search for Milton Friedman on youtube and take your pick; they're all good.