The Fear of Freedom

As Halloween draws near and the celebration of all things dark and scary is in full swing, let’s reject our fear of freedom. The United States of America is founded upon this principle.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects several fundamental freedoms. It guarantees:

• Freedom of Religion: Prohibits the government from establishing a state religion and ensures individuals can practice their religion freely.
• Freedom of Speech: Allows individuals to express themselves without government interference or regulation.
• Freedom of the Press: Ensures the press can publish news, information, and opinions without government censorship.
• Freedom of Assembly: Grants people the right to gather peacefully.
• Right to Petition: Allows individuals to appeal to the government to address grievances.

Why did the founders include a freedom for journalists in the First Amendment when all the others are for us, We the People? Why did they acknowledge a God-given freedom, that the government can’t infringe upon, for the media? Actually, they didn’t. The truth is that freedom of the press is not about reporters. The freedom of the press is also about us, We the People. It’s actually a safeguard against media and government collusion that subverts the people’s right to speak, write, and publish their opinions without censorship.

James Madison’s originally proposed text for the “freedom of the press” is as follows:

• The people shall not be deprived or abridged of their right to speak, to write, or to publish their sentiments; and the freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall not be inviolable.

James Madison conceived those words because he was aware of their importance in preserving the newly formed democratic republic. The most influential journalist at the time of the American Revolution, Thomas Paine, anonymously published a pamphlet called Common Sense in January 1776. It was a pivotal pamphlet that argued for American independence from British rule. Paine’s work was written in clear, persuasive prose that resonated with the common people, making complex political ideas accessible and compelling.

Key Points of Common Sense:

1. Critique of Monarchy: Paine criticized the concept of monarchy and hereditary succession, arguing that it was an unjust and absurd form of government.
2. Call for Independence: He made a strong case for the colonies to break free from British rule, emphasizing the natural rights of individuals and the need for self-governance.
3. Vision of a Democratic Republic: Paine advocated for the creation of a democratic republic where free and equal citizens could govern themselves.

Impact on the American Revolution:

• Inspiration for Independence: The pamphlet galvanized public opinion and inspired colonial leaders to pursue independence. It played a crucial role in shifting the mindset of many colonists from reconciliation with Britain to the pursuit of independence.
• Influence on the Declaration of Independence: Paine’s arguments laid the groundwork for the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted six months later.

Thomas Paine’s skill in expressing the colonists’ frustrations and aspirations turned Common Sense into a bestseller and a pivotal force in the American Revolution. It played a crucial role in unifying the colonies and offering a clear justification for independence from British rule. Had it been censored, this blog might not exist today. One could argue that Thomas Paine was America’s first blogger.

The courage and desire for independence at America’s founding is still alive today in America. Then and now, common sense must prevail. The following excerpt is from The Declaration of Independence, signed July 4, 1776.

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

We the People, for our own self-esteem and well-being, shall reject all forms of enslavement and strive for independence. We shall embrace the truth, leaving us with no fear except reverence for God. Our dignity, and America’s future, depend on rediscovering truth, goodness, and love.