by William Banks

Created on: August 23, 2009   Last Updated: August 24, 2009

What is freedom? This word is thrown around a lot in American society. Many believe that the U.S. is free and that our freedom sets us apart from the rest of the world. If I had to define freedom in a sentence; Freedom is the opposite of slavery. The major difference between free men and slaves is ownership. If you are a slave you do not have rights to your person. You are owned by someone or something else. If you are truly free you have complete ownership over yourself and your property.

So, now that we have given the name a meaning, let's take a look at American's. American's are free, right? That's what they tell us so it must be true, right? Well the answer is no. We are in my opinion closer to slaves than we are free people. I am going to explain why I think this to be fact. First though I would like to ensure you that I am not some loon. I am just aware of the truth and call things how I see them.

As I said before freedom/slavery is all about ownership. So, what exactly do we own? I think the most significant item that one might feel he owns would be a house. Of course underneath our house sits land. Are citizen's true owners of that land? How can it truly be yours if you must pay rent to government (property taxes) in order to keep it? Now sure there are those that might say, taxes are for cops, firemen, and schools. Problem with that argument is that most if not all governments wether they be Federal, State, or Local are involved in programs. Programs that have not been approved and are not wanted by many that pay for them. So no, you are not simply buying services you could need. You are bankrolling corruption and greed that will take your land, home, and freedom if you do not pay tribute.

So what? Taxes are just part of living in a society, right? Well taxes are not the only way in which the government commands control over your land.

Eminent Domain The right of a government or its agents to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation. Oxford American Dictionary.

That means that at any time, the government can seize your property, just so long as it compensates you. Who decides compensation, government. Who truly owns the land, government.

So now that we've established our rightful place as land borrowers, what else is there? The idea of freedom in it's pure form means complete ownership of one's body. It doesn't mean you can get away with criminal behavior. After all, I may be free to attempt to steal my neighbors

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