On Freedom

My father-in-law should be pleased by Bush's recent praise for Taiwan as a "model of freedom." I remember how, prior to the 2004 presidential election, certain members of the Taiwanese community where my in-laws live were urging support for Kerry, since Secretary of State Powell allegedly made comments undermining the U.S.'s formal commitment to defend Taiwan in case of an attack on the island. It must be conceded that Bush lauded China for progress on a number of fronts, but you have to hand it to the president for so bluntly endorsing Taiwan's open and free governance.

Underlying Bush's praise is his belief that all individuals, regardless of ethnicity or nationality, yearn for freedom and do so because it's an inherent right. We know what happens when this "right of freedom" runs up against an oppressive government or other dictatorial-type force--conflict and usually suppression. When political freedom is achieved, on the other hand, what results is generally a positive state of affairs for those who value human dignity and choice.

What I've found, however, is that freedom is often the door through which I enter into slavery. I'm free to do what I want, but I act in accordance with who I am. Unfortunately, while I am hopefully becoming more like the Christ whom I follow, I'm reminded regularly that left to my own devices, I'm the anti-Christ.

But about freedom, how much of our life's actions, upon reflection, are consciously or unconsciously enabled by it? What is the goal of that freedom? Or is freedom an end in itself? At the end of the day, am I to be joyful that I have lived as I wanted to? Is this fulfillment? If freedom is, as George Bush seems to believe, the inherent right of man (implied: given by God), what is it's purpose? So we aren't determined robots, as some would argue? I'm interested in hearing personal reflections, deep thoughts, etc. We don't like restrictions to our freedoms, but does our use of freedom bear testimony to its greatness as a right?