Freedom, Rights and Liberties

Increased domestic security is on everyone's minds these days and the U.S. government has already begun implementing more restrictive security screenings than most Americans can ever remember seeing before. As the news continues to report on the likelihood of more terrorist attacks including chemical and/or biological agents, how safe do YOU feel? Would you be willing to undergo searches of your person and/or belongings at airports? How about personal searches at sporting events or when entering a mall? Are you willing to allow the government to read your email, listen in on your telephone conversations, track your web surfing habits, inquire into your membership affiliations or restrict your ability to meet in groups (say at a large Pagan festival or open circle) in order to feel more safe? Is there a point where you would draw the line at surrendering your civil rights? (Did you notice that the media when referring to the idea usually use the word 'liberties' instead of 'rights'?) Are you a little more nervous about being known as a Pagan these days?

How safe do I feel? As safe as I ever have. The chances of my being the target of a terrorist attack are increbily slim. I'm also of the "if it's your time, it's your time" way of thinking.

Searches at airports? Been there; done that. In September, I had to take my shoes off b/c they set off the metal detector in Erie. They did not set it off in Denver however. I've never liked the idea of someone going through my stuff but when I'm using an airport, I expect it to happen and I don't take anything I wouldn't want inspected (like sex toys, for example). I don't want anyone else bringing dangerous items on the plane and I want their luggage searched. I should be prepared to have mine inspected as well.

As for the government restricting my personal freedoms, I'm strongly against that. There's nothing to be gained by reading my e-mail or tracking what books I purchase and it offends me that any American would have to endure such intrusion. Most Americans are not "out to get" anyone. As a pagan and a witch, knowing how easily misunderstood that aspect of my life is by those who don't care to learn about it, I know some of what I do and say would be construed as "suspicious." I believe in the first ammendment and I am grateful every day that I have the freedom to choose my religion and to say what I like about whatever I like.

The reason the media say "liberties" instead of "rights" is b/c they areliberties. American thought gives a very broad definitin of "rights." We think we're entitled to a lot. What we're talking about here are liberties. My government was established in a certain way, bestowing liberties (or "freedoms") upon its people. Our government trusted us. Think of it this way: if you're a kid, you have liberties and you have rights. You have the right not to get the shit kicked out of you by your parents. You have the liberty of going out with your friends on Friday night.

Liberties can be revoked. Rights are "inalienable." Rights are "qualities (as adherence to duty or obedience to lawful authority) that together constitute the ideal of moral propriety or merit moral approval." Liberty is "the quality or state of being free: a : the power to do as one pleases b : freedom from physical restraint c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges e : the power of choice." Liberties take place within a frameset -- you can do what you like so long as you obey the rules.

As for being known as a pagan, I'm no more or less anxious about it than I ever have been. I'd be more worried to be known as a "peacenik" these days, as those brave enough to use their constitutionally-endowed right of free speech are being arrested, assaulted, berated and are generally in fear for their personal safety just for saying, "Peace."