What does freedom mean to you? – Now there is a question that is very deep from the daily writing prompt.

It feels like freedom is slipping away lately. I thought this country represented freedom. It does in some ways. My father fought in 2 wars to maintain our freedom. His father fought in WWI before that.

We are freer here than in most of the world. But in many ways, we aren’t free at all. Controlled by jobs, areas we live in and the varying laws and enforcement of each.

Unfortunately for some people see the color of skin as a qualifier. Or maybe the amount of money you have.

Today for me, freedom meant having the time to spend loving my family. It means not having to get up and go to work and answer to someone else tomorrow morning. It means the ability to move about freely without issue.

It gives me the right to speak my mind freely. To pursue interest of my own choosing.

But with freedom come great responsibilities. It only works if most of us pull together. If we are respectful, lawful, ethical, and compassionate but strong, freedom stands a much chance of survival.

Yes, freedom is liberty, but unrestrained liberties will always infringe on others unfairly.

I visit Arlington National Cemetery to see my parents. That and many other cemeteries and those injured in conflicts are the real price of freedom. Also those who serve our military and public service like police and fire and other governmental positions. Those people do it for all of us and I salute them.