“The land of the free”… That used to be a mouthful back when this country was established. We fought for our freedoms, but maybe we should take a step back and look at how “free” we really are. Compared to many countries in Europe, we are a very sheltered and oppressed people.
There have been multiple times in America’s history where our government has tried to place laws banning certain items or practices which, in turn has taken its share of finances. For example, Prohibition in the 1920’s banned the distribution and selling of alcohol. Did this stop the American people? Absolutely not. Instead, the people found it to be a fun game to disobey the government by smuggling alcohol and opening speakeasy’s which illegally sold alcohol. During the 20’s people were so preoccupied by partying and disobeying the law that they forgot that their actions came at an expense. We are only human. And as I recall from being a child, when you tell a kid they can’t do something, it only makes them want to do it more. If the government had been trying to take care of more pressing issues, in theory the Great Depression might not have hit the country as hard.
In my opinion, this country sets itself up for failure by placing laws and bans on certain things that simply will not go away. Another marvelous example would be prostitution. (and before you judge me and take a stab at my morals, allow me to explain). Prostitution has been around since, oh I don’t know, prehistoric times. Simply put, it will not go away and the American government needs to focus on harsher things than a moral dilemma. This country was based on the right to pursue happiness and if that is the way people want to live their lives, so be it. It does not harm the community as a whole and if you would legalize it, sooner or later, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal anymore. People sometimes just do things to rebel. Places where prostitution IS legal, they make the women take a physical once a month to show that she is healthy. If people are going to do it regardless, at least make it safe. I do not technically agree with prostitution, and I think it’s morally wrong and disgusting, however it is the right of the American people to make their own decisions, and it is something that people are still going to find a way around no matter what restrictions are put on it.
Our country is more oppressive than we would like to think. Sure, some restrictions are necessary. I’m not saying you should falsely yell fire in a crowded theater; otherwise this country would be pretty out of control. All I am trying to do is let you recognize that this country was founded by Puritans and, believe it or not, will always still have that Puritan way of thinking. There are more accidents involving alcohol in our country than in countries where the legal drinking age is 16. In Europe, they can walk around naked and there are more sex crimes in America where we look at public nudity as vulgar. (Once again I’m not encouraging people to run around naked. That’s just the way things are here) I’m merely saying that obviously, we’re doing something wrong here. This country is too busy coming up with ways to keep the people under control than coming up with ways to help benefit our lives financially, medically, and securely. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe that the government is one big conspiracy and I think everyone should revolt. I just want people to try to see the big picture here.
Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
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