Our nation has come a long way in it's relatively short existance. From it's inception, America has struggled to be the beacon of hope for all who long to be free. Yet, what is freedom? Is freedom tangible? Or is freedom just an idea, an untouchable, unattainable desire? Is freedom a right or a priveledge? More importantly, how do we use that freedom, and how do we "pay" for that freedom?
Americans enjoy more personal freedoms than the citizens of any other nation, but do we appreciate our freedom? Of course not. Today we demand the ridiculous, because we can. We have taken our freedoms for granted for so long that now we must invent new freedoms to demand. The "entitlement" mentality prevelant in today's society stands in stark contrast to the "work for everything" ethic of past generations.
Freedom in general, and individual personal freedoms, are not free. Someone must "pay" for the freedoms we enjoy. The military, police, firefighters and countless others constantly give up many of thier freedoms so that we may enjoy ours. Sadly though, thier selflessness is repayed by our selfishness. The more we are given, the more we demand. Never once stopping to think about, or thank those who protect and give us those freedoms.