Friday, November 21, 2008

Land of the free?

There is a lot of talk of freedom, and all it represents,
a blessing to the masses, and what the repressed laments.
The term at first seems noble, but is seldom understood,
For its connotations cannot be limited to only being good.

Freedom to do what, to whom, and at what cost?
Each time you exercise your own, is someone else’s lost?
If you were granted total control, to do just as you wish,
Would others benefit or are the gains purely selfish?

If the downside of your choices cannot be easily seen,
Are you standing in a spotlight where someone else should’ve been?
Freedom is not as simple as it’s often made out to be,
The chance to govern your own life comes with responsibility.

This is not to say that you shouldn’t do just as you please,
But consider the repercussions to both your friends and enemies.

Written Dec 2007. Inspired by a work giving tree in which I chose to purchase the word "freedom" for charity, and the subsequent questioning of my decison.

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