EDITOR’S NOTE: Given the state of federal government, I took a prompt that NPR sent out to readers “What does Freedom Mean to You?” and sent it to Pioneer contributors. We’ll share those thoughts with readers.
Here is some prose from Christy Kay – a theme emerges – safety and helping other, community. Readers, please share with us – “What does freedom mean to you?” Share it in 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 Christy Kay
Freedom is the ability to feel safe,
Safe to be myself.
It is the ability to use the gifts and talents I have been divinely given, to better my life and those around me
Freedom is the right to BE,
Without discrimination
Without persecution
Without limits, set by those who have not lived my experience
Freedom is the ability to have time to write, paint, read for pleasure, socialize with friends, or have a meal out, when I want to
Freedom means not being a slave to money.
It is being able to create my own wealth,
And to be rewarded for the hard work I do.
Freedom is the ability to feel safe.
It is knowing that my needs will be met, no matter what.
It is never going hungry
It is having quiet safe shelter
It is being tended to when I’m sick
It is receiving a wage of equal pay
It is knowing that when I am being harassed as a woman, that I will be protected by the law and the courts
Freedom is a lot of things
But mostly, Freedom is the ability to do my soul work, without fear
Freedom is the ability to make my own choices
To play an active role in my community while not struggling to keep myself housed, fed, and healthy
Freedom is protection from those that would do harm to others, just for their own selfish needs
Freedom is the ability to speak up when others are being unjustly treated, without fear of reprisals
Freedom seems lost.