Freedom and Responsibility
Today July 6, 2025:
As I watch the freedoms of the First Amendment being daily and unashamedly denied as policy and law, I think it’s time to, perhaps, remember what we’re seeing destroyed. I wrote this article in 2017, and it’s even more important today.
From July 2017:
Freedom without responsibility becomes tyranny. This is a pretty flat statement from me with no ifs, ands, or buts. It is what I see happening too often and which I find more and more disturbing.
The First Amendment (freedom of expression and religion), which is constantly being batted about as the excuse for almost anything nowadays says:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Freedom of speech without responsibility becomes lies, propaganda, invective, castigation, rhetoric, blame, scapegoating, demeaning, rabble-rousing, and incites violence.
Freedom of religion without responsibility breeds bigotry, dogma, intolerance, prejudice, and radical fundamentalism. It is without grace, compassion, or a true moral compass, and leads to abuse and war.
Freedom of assembly without responsibility unleashes riots, with people and property damage.
If we, as a people and as a country, are going to reverse the course of self-destruction of all we say we hold dear, it is imperative that you and I treasure our freedoms, freedoms so hard fought for and so dearly won, by our responsible and well-considered use of them.
Share what you feel and think instead of lashing out or blaming someone else.
Follow the religious or spiritual tradition that keeps you right with yourself and allow your neighbors to do the same.
Gather together to say “no” when needed and offer your own creative ideas on how to make the changes needed.
LISTEN! Respect other ideas, opinions, perspectives, experiences, and viewpoints.
When we act in this manner, we are, once again, a true example of Freedom of Speech, Religion, and Assembly.
Charlotte
Edited by Monique Huenergardt of MoReadsYou.com