In today's troubled times, many people see the answer to America's problems in greater economic freedom and more personal liberty. But America has always been the freest nation that ever existed, and the results are far from satisfactory.
The following thought-provoking article entitled "We are Not Free" was published in The Record in 1908, and examines the concept of freedom from a Christian perspective. The author raises a very controversial, but instructive question - is America really free?
While riches, though wrongfully obtained, make an aristocracy among us, we are not free. While power, wickedly gained, is applauded and allowed, we are not free. While cleverness, though harmfully exercised, is commended and rewarded, we are not free. While injustice to the most weak and defenseless [abortion] is ignored and unpunished, we are not free. While honest faith and loyalty may die in the poorhouse and recognized theft may live in a mansion, we are not free.
While the savings of the people are at the mercy of absolute selfishness, while the very bread they eat fluctuates in cost, not with the abundance or scarcity of God's seasons, but with the success or failure of the speculator's crime, we are not free. While the passions of men, fed by the weakness of women, [prostitution, pornography, sexual immorality] fatten and grow corrupt under the eyes of the law and with the full knowledge of public officials, we are not free.
While the saloon, that masterpiece of Satan, with one hand throttles public opinion in the press and legislature, and with the other hand crushes manhood and wealth together out of its miserable victims, we are not free.
And while in the midst of all this we know nothing of it, or forget it if we ever knew it, or ignore it if we cannot forget it, and go on voting for the same set of men and perpetuating the same evil conditions, waving the flag and boasting our foolish boast of power and wealth - while this is true of us, we are not free.
When is a nation free? When honest industry makes honest gain, and when honest gain is safe from legal thievery. When the worth of a man brings honor from men, and when his unworth brings shame. When their people know their rights and are awake to their duties. When they choose rulers to rule in the fear of God and the love of man. When trade is protected from the vipers of trade, and wealth from the pirates of wealth.
When those disposed to crime, if not reformed, will at least not be tempted at every corner. When whatever happens to the hardened criminal, at least the young will have a chance at purity, intelligence, and power.
When such conditions though not universal are nevertheless the rule, then the stars of freedom will be white upon the flag, and not till then. - Amos R. Wells
To which we say, 'Amen, Amen!'
