EDITOR’S NOTE: Given the state of federal government and the upcoming 4th of July holiday, I took a prompt that NPR sent out to readers “What does Freedom Mean to You?” and sent it to the couple dozen Pioneer contributors. We’ll share those thoughts with readers over the next several days.
Laurie Lamb gives us a list of freedoms that are being trampled, dismantled and more. Readers, please share with us – “What does freedom mean to you?” Share it words, poetry, photos, art … I think we all need to remind ourselves about what freedom truly means. Send your contributions to editor@tillamookcountypioneer.net
By Laurie Lamb
I am a Baby Boomer born just after WW2.
These are the freedoms I have grown to expect to be guaranteed by my government:
Freedom from environmental destruction for corporate profit.
Freedom of information presented truthfully by a non-partisan press.
Freedom of speech without fear of harassment.
Freedom from racial discrimination.
Freedom for each child to receive a free robust fact-based public education.
Freedom of economic opportunity regardless of sex or race.
Freedom to marry the person of one’s choice.
Freedom over one’s own body and the right to access medical care.
Freedom of birthright citizenship.
Freedom to vote my choice and have it count.
Freedom from unlawful search and seizure.
Freedom from authoritarian harassment and political violence.
Are you willing to give up these freedoms accumulated over many lifetimes? Well, that is happening right now!
We, the people, can bridge political divides and join together to reclaim these freedoms which protect us all.