It's hard not to think about freedom at a time when so many of us are sequestered in our homes. Americans love freedom, and to an extent, it's understandable; it's in the very marrow of our country's bones. But sometimes that freedom makes me feel a bit uneasy, and the current Coronavirus pandemic is one of those times.
Freedom is only valid insofar as everyone is treated equally, and only if everyone has the same amount of freedom. For example, I've long felt that the freedom to own firearms is less valid than the freedom to enjoy a life without mass shootings, gunfights in the street, and guns in the home. The freedom to exploit natural resources is less valid than the freedom to breathe clean air, protect water and wildlife, and ensure a viable planet for future generations.
In this week's new and changing world, the freedom to conduct business as usual is less valid than the need to protect our communities from being overwhelmed by COVID-19. I can only hope that Americans keeps this in mind once the virus starts to recede into our memories. Sometimes, giving up a little "freedom" is well worth it. Anyone who has lived through country-wide wartime involvement will know that. During WWII, it was actually patriotic to give up freedoms to help in the greater war effort. I hope that's the collective thought that has been spreading in America over the past week or so. Now we just need to keep that mindset for the long haul. Freedom is only valuable when everyone's included.
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