Safety or Liberty--Which is more important?

I have to admit that after serving for 30 years in public safety I have tried to stay away from news as much as possible. Why? Because I have personally witnessed stories being slanted by some journalists who are more interested in supporting a cause or increasing the number of social media clicks instead of reporting facts.

While I have been a little laxed on keeping up with news, I have recently focused on gathering information from reputable reporters, news agencies, and research to better understand what is occurring in the world.

Maybe it's time for all of us to pay more attention to current events. As I've been reading numerous news articles and watching broadcasts, I have become extremely concerned. It reminds me of what Benjamin Franklin once said:

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Franklin, like so many great thinkers throughout history, understood the role of government and the threat of it becoming too big, too invasive, and too controlling. Individual freedoms are something to be cherished and protected by all Americans.

In this context, consider some the following excerpts from recent news stories:

The president’s advisers have said the Covid-19 pandemic shifted American attitudes about the role government should play in their lives, making political space for once-in-a-generation federal investments that could reshape the country. (It seems that the plan provides government greater oversight of individual conduct, activities, etc.)

Will residents be required to show proof of immunization to once again attend concerts, restaurants and sporting events? (What about those who object due to religion, personal preference, or potential health issues?)

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently argued for a global minimum corporate tax rate for multinational corporations. (The argument is that this could help control wild swings in economies, level the playing field and provide stability (safety). It could also evolve over time to decisions being made about our tax system (our liberty) by those outside the United States as the world potentially works together on a unified tax rate and/or structure.)

China’s version of a digital currency is controlled by its central bank, which will issue the new electronic money. It is expected to give China’s government vast new tools to monitor both its economy and its people. By design, the digital yuan will negate one of bitcoin’s major draws: anonymity for the user……………… ………... Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell have said the issue is being studied in earnest, including whether a digital dollar makes sense someday.

I am not taking a stance on any of these issues. Each made me think about my responsibility as a citizen to understand the issues, ask questions, and not take sound bites and slanted stories as fact. As it is often said, the devil is in the details. Unfortunately, few American citizens are willing to take the time to research issues and search for facts. As Americans, it is our responsibility to future generations to support and cherish freedom of discussion and to separate fact from political posturing and untruths.

As an American citizen, It is my civic responsibility to base my opinions, and my vote, on what I believe is best for long-term freedom and not short-term safety.

Just something to think about……