[Dean's World] Dave Price: The First Freedom

[notify at powerblogs.com]

Posted by Dave Price:
The First Freedom
http://www.deanesmay.com/posts/1162915889.shtml


   So, we hold an election today. Some of will vote for Republicans,
   others for Democrats, and many wonât vote at all, as is our choice as
   free people. Various polls say various things, and various people say
   various things about the various polls, but we wonât really know the
   will of the electorate until the votes are counted late tonight or
   tomorrow. As they say in football, thatâs why we play the game.
   But of course democracy is far more than the act of holding elections.
   We had a lot of debate on the issues, and about the character of those
   running for office; both were relevant and important. Enormous amounts
   of attention were focused on determining the best course forward, as
   the candidates advocated the ideas they think are best for the
   country. A lot of the arguments made were illogical, misleading, or
   just plain wrong, perhaps even most of them. But the process is as
   necessary as it is flawed, because without the freedom to choose our
   leaders, no other freedoms can long be secure, and without debate we
   cannot refine our understanding of truth, and better our society.
   And ultimately that is what weâre fighting for -- not just in
   Afghanistan and Iraq, where we hope that eventually democracy and
   freedom will foster tolerance and peace and prosperity, but also for
   every other person that suffers under governments that rule by force
   rather than consent, and consequently prevent their people from
   improving their lives.
   We advocate freedom not merely because it is our culture or custom, or
   even just because it is moral; as much as any of these, we advocate
   freedom because freedom works. The incredible progress in technology
   and tolerance that Western Civ has accomplished is largely a product
   of the free exchange of ideas and goods. Lifespans have been extended
   remarkably, poverty redefined in terms that would have been luxury not
   so long ago, medical care made capable of feats unimaginable in days
   past, and anyone with a computer and an Internet connection now has
   instant access to incredibly vast amounts of information. Freedom
   isnât just a pretty word, itâs also the most powerful tool we have to
   makes lives better.