Freedom? Be Vigilant (Part II)

  Please know that my short discourse discusses three aspects of government.  Government taking from some, government providing for some, and government restricting certain conduct due to the concern for the safety of people.  The first two work together.  Government takes from those who have in order to provide for those who do not have. Does that not sound reasonable? Who can argue with government wanting to protect you?  When government makes decisions that are designed to protect the populace, there is no doubt that in most cases freedom/freedoms is/are restricted.  It is a trade off.  Please realize that I understand that the protection of life and limb is of paramount importance.  Must we also be protected from certain "ideas" as well? Yes, if you are dealing with the very young. Yes, if you are dealing with the very vulnerable.  All of these government involvements affect freedom. Does it mean that we do not live in a free country?  No, it just means that when it comes to freedom, we need to be vigilant.  Are the Bill of Rights safe and sound?  No, because tyranny is like an uninvited person who keeps knocking on the door of the house where the "freedom celebration" is taking place.  Freedom?  Be vigilant.