Today is the time where everyone stops to think of freedom in this country. Small towns across the country hold parades, firework shows and everyone gets down to the business of the bar-b-ques that are sure to happen with family and friends. But what does that word really mean? Webster defines it as a state of liberation from slavery and independence from another. Does that still apply to us today? I know that we are freer than some countries, but little by little our freedoms are being usurped by those we have placed into office to help run this country. The “patriot act” is just nothing more than a way for “big brother” to spy without having to answer for it in the name of catching terrorist, when in reality, they have those tools already in hand yet ignore their most basic intel that would help them thwart such attacks(I’m not a part of the conspiracy crew..this is known fact in the news lately..read for yourself). Women’s rights are being taken away, with some states, such as Georgia, Mississippi, and others making a woman “prove” that her miscarriage was from a natural act and not an abortion..WTF? How stupid is this? As far as I know..Roe v Wade made this legal and as such, if one were to have one..its done in a doctor’s office, and not in the back alleys from days gone by. Having to prove loss(when this is often traumatic event for most women) or that they were in fact raped is ludicrous. It places women back in the day of being chattel and I for one will not go without kicking and screaming.. There are those who claim if you belong to a church or the Catholic persuasion, if you believe in a right to choose, then you are not a good…catholic, baptists, (fill in your denomination here). In truth, people are believing in that person’s right..freedom to choose what is the correct choice for their life..People are screaming about religious rights ..and in some cases, they may have a point..But it falls on both sides of the fence. There are those fundamentalists who demand that the country be done as in the day when the Declaration of Independence was signed..hate to disappoint ya’ll but NOWHERE does it say that this country was christian. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This statement came to represent the views of marginalized groups and the moral compass upon which this country should strive for. Many of the original signers were deists..That is they believed in a higher power, and yet not “god” as some would claim it today. They believed that one had the right and privilege to worship as they saw fit. One that benefited them spiritually as well as society..In other words..we’re not out here on our own doing as we will. We have obligation to make our particular world a better place. My Gran always told me..”to whom much is given, much is required”. I respect that. There are some who feel they have nothing to offer. Really? I’m sure if you think about it, there is something you can do. Doesnt have to be big..giving a neighbor a ride somewhere, listening to someone’s problem(even if you dont have an answer)..small things, but appreciated to be sure and increased positive flow in your little corner of the world. There are just as many on the other side of the fence as well who claim persecution because they live in certain places(Bible Belt comes to mind)Now while I respect that there may be some isolated incidents, I havent had an issue nor heard of one on a wide-scale basis. Yet as they scream they are being “hated” they are speaking, and wearing shirts with inflammatory sayings on them. Just what does that mean? That they demand to do as they will and you have to like it? I don’t think so. Even as a pagan, I am not a fan of flaunting anything in someone else’s face. Why? Well it comes down to respect and personal responsibility. I am responsible for my actions. I was raised to accept people as they are, and if we didnt click..move on. Being raised on Army bases all over the world, one gets a view of what freedom really means. One is liable to meet people from many walks of life, different cultures as well as faiths. My dad always said..”we are one color…O>D> Green-that would be olive drab for you nonmilitary)..that would make us Army people..nothing more. That carried me through my whole life even when I left home, joined the service myself and then as I entered civilian life and raised a family. Freedoms are hard won, not to be taken lightly nor perverted into something one groups(s) think they should be. Real men and women gave their lives for them. They deserve our respect and so the people we come into contact with on a daily basis..no matter if they are rich, poor, somewhere in between, gay, straight, christian, pagan(something in between). We are Americans. We are one race:HUMAN.