Beech Tree News Network

Our next American federal holiday, January 15, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech is one of the most quoted speeches of modern times, and he practiced nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to advance civil rights. This holiday reminds me of our many American freedoms. Freedoms we should not take for granted – freedoms that were fought for by soldiers and by civilians alike.

Some of our American freedoms include the following: freedom of religion, assembly, press, petition, and speech, right to bear arms, protection from quartering troops, search and seizure, due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain, trial by jury and rights of the accused, civil trial by jury, prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment, protection of rights not enumerated in the Bill of Rights, right to privacy, need for search warrant and probable cause, legal procedure (grand jury, due process, lawyer), right to a speedy and public trial, no excessive bails or fines, no cruel or unusual punishment (http://www.answers.com/Q/List_the_rights_of_freedom_guaranteed_by_the_Bi...). And I believe each freedom is critical to our American lifestyle.

I asked friends and family which freedoms they valued most and why. Their responses varied:

Freedom of religion. Being able to worship as I see fit.

Freedom of religion. To be free to worship God where/when/how I choose.

2nd Amendment - The right to bear arms is probably first, but I wouldn’t want to lose any of them.

The first through the eighth amendments are all equally valuable, depending on your situation/need/predicament at the time, but I guess if I had to choose, I would say the first amendment – freedom of religion, speech, press…. But, like my husband said, I wouldn’t want to lose any of them.

The right to worship the Father and my Lord and Savior Jesus.

I don’t know if you can break down freedom into one thing, but the first amendment has to be the most important for all. First amendment for me!

My guns. This is the only true line of defense that we have that doesn’t rely on others.

Historians and philosophers have debated this question for ages. Seems to me that freedom of press and justice are intertwined. Both are being attacked in our country as we speak! I fear the stability of the USA in these troubling times.

Freedom of speech. Because whether I am right or wrong, I have the right to express my opinion – and have my beliefs based on what I perceive.

Interestingly enough, you just caught me at a time when I’m beginning to wonder if there is such a thing as freedom.

I am convinced that every day Americans deceive themselves into thinking that they have it better than anyone else in the world with a lot of politically motivated input from a host of sources. Kind of like country club members versus those who aren’t members. Self-perpetuating! It may have been true in the past and probably is still true to a degree. But, I don’t think it’s as true today as those in power want us to think and believe. Unfortunately, most Americans are either too lazy or unwise to investigate the reality of their situation. Again, this is exactly what those in power want to be the norm. Stupid and happy.

The freedom to worship is something that we take for granted so much here in the “Bible Belt.” I traveled to Haiti and Jamaica 36 years ago, and I will never forget the hunger the people had for God’s word. I wish more people could experience this. It really affected how much I appreciate being an American citizen.

I think American freedom is a gift from God. Of the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, I think the 2nd amendment is the most important because force may be required to preserve liberty.

“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined…. The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.” – Patrick Henry, Speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 5, 1778

There are so many. First, freedom to worship, and the right to vote for women and for minorities.

The freedom I value most is freedom of religion. I can’t imagine not being able to worship when and how I choose. I am thankful for all our freedoms!

Dr. King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” (https://www.success.com/article/you-know-i-have-a-dream-here-are-10-mlk-...). Our American freedoms are treasures – we must be vigilant to safeguard them. They make our lives more orderly, more comfortable, and much safer. Many thanks to the soldiers and civilians who ensured them.