2. LINDSEY MILLER Freedom

3. What is it? Freedom is a choice that is made for the better of everyone involved. It is hard to clearly define. Therefore, it has its consequences, which we have seen throughout our nation’s history. I came across several different definitions and found it hard to choose just one.

4. Definition “the state or fact of being free from servitude, constraint, inhibition, etc.; liberty”  Oxford English Dictionary Online  Relates to freedom as the absence of slavery “the power to determine action without restraint”  Dictionary.com  Speaks of our freedom to make decisions and use the power of imagination “political or national independence”  Dictionary.com  Refers to America’s freedom and independence from England

5. Are we really free? History The 1 st Amendment:  Grants freedom of press, speech, religion, assembly and petition.  Issues raised:  A person can’t go into a crowded building and yell “fire” or “bomb”.  People are sometimes arrested for shouting profanity in public.  God is kept out of schools and some other public places. The 2 nd Amendment:  Guarantees the right of people to keep and bear arms.  Issue raised:  There have been many laws and court cases since then that have regulated and control the ownership of guns.  Each state has its own laws about this. The 8 th Amendment:  States that no excessive bail or fines will be imposed, and that no cruel or unusual punishment will be inflicted.  Bails and charges are often too expensive for the crime being suspected.  Guantanamo Bay is a perfect example of harsh punishment. Slavery was abolished long ago to grant freedom to African Americans. Our country is becoming more equal each and every day.

6. My Freedom I sadly admit that I take my freedom for granted too often. I consider freedom a combination of all of these definitions. Freedoms in my life:  Opportunity to receive an education  Easiness of worshiping God and practicing religion  Chance to make my own personal decisions and do what’s best for my life  Fact of never being forced to work for anyone during my life

7. Freedom Quotes I found some very interesting and touching quotes about freedom.  (quotegarden.com) “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”  Thomas Paine “Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed- else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.”  Dwight D. Eisenhower “It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken away from you.”  Dick Cheney “Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.”  Moshe Dayan