What is American Freedom?

As an American citizen, I’ve never questioned my American freedoms. After all, I live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

My mind is oversaturated with news of record violence, gun rights, police brutality, personal responsibility, abortion rights, corporate greed (think big pharma) and too many more issues for my brain to sift through. I don’t even remember which news story I was watching when I heard the brain click that lead me to question what freedom looks like in the new millennium.

What are we, as Americans actually free to do?

Have our freedoms slowly morphed into different shapes over the years?

The website state.gov under the INDEPENDENCE section says, “In their private lives, Americans are free to live where they wish, socialize with whom they select, and practice their chosen religion. In summary, this notion of independence creates the opportunities for people to determine their own lifestyles free from government control and social conventions.”

I’m feeling a bit queasy on some of this. Am I free to practice my religion without suffering a mass shooting during a peaceful service, having my kids ostracized at school for wearing faith-based clothing, or have the media depict me as a bible thumping idiot? If I rent a home or apartment in my neighborhood and the owner sell out to flippers creating a high dollar gentrified neighborhood that I can no longer afford? Where’s the freedom of choice in that? Can I expect non-biased fair treatment from our legal system? Do I have freedom of my body? Will a new Presidential administration tighten the belt on our freedoms based on their beliefs or those of their constituents?

One more thought…Why can’t we set term limits for the fat cats in congress living in their timeless tower of privilege and power?

I don’t know…my head hurts.