America is a symbol of freedom to other countries. We cherish our freedom and speak of it with pride. When people first began immigrating to America, they came for the freedoms the United States offered. There were, and still are, many more opportunities available. The nation emphasizes its freedom in different ways; we wave the red, white, and blue flag with pride, we sing the "Star Spangled Banner" and emphasize the words "the land of the free, and the home of the brave," and the government tries to maintain justice regarding the freedoms given to its citizens.
Freedom can refer to the specific rights for citizens, or the codes restricting certain actions. Some freedoms are not protected, while some are and it is the Government's job to interpret fairly what should be protected. Therefore, freedom can be associated with law and the rights we are guaranteed. In class, the freedom of speech is currently being analyzed. We have discussed different cases of students and have created our own opinions regarding if their behavior is protected by the freedom of speech. The Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution declares, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." As a class, we have been trying to find a way to differentiate between what actions are protected by this freedom and which aren't.
Freedom though can also be referred to as a state of being or feeling; one can be and feel free. We often associate birds with freedom, especiall the bald eagle because they are free to soar the sky and world. Anything can feel free. Freedom doesn't only refer to the law. I can feel free. . .
Every Wednesday night in May, at 7 o' clock, my phone vibrated and I read the weekly text, "Hey girls!! Vball tonite at 8! Dont be late nd get pumped! woooo lets kick some ass!!" For the past seven years I have participated in the G.O.Y.A. (Greek Orthodox Youth Association) sponsored Junior Olympics event. It was the time of the year that every church began practicing to be prepared for Junior Olympics, and Wednesday nights were for volleyball. So being it was Wednesday night, I had my bag packed, and I was ready to go. I got in the car and drove away. I zoomed off onto the highway, in the farthest lane to the left. I pressed on the gas, and raised the music. This was my time, this was my freedom, this was my high. Feeling very aware as I drove, I felt very alive. I swerved in and out of cars, making lane changes left and right. My brain working as a factory with workers going at hyper-speed. No one was going as fast as me, and no one dared to challenge me. I felt invincible, powerful, but most importantly free. The windows were down, and the wind tossed my hair, making it feel as if I was a bird. I was flying down the highway, singing as loud as I could. My Jesus music played that I had gotten after attending KAIROS XIII, a Catholic retreat. I knew every word of every song and was not ashamed. I was Jesus high. I felt his presence there with me and I knew he was protecting me. It was as if he was singing along with me, smiling. But of course, I approached the exit NAGLE, and I was soon arriving to my destination. But every Wednesday, I looked forward to this drive, to this experience. It was when I escaped from the world, from responsibilities, from expectations, and all pressures. It was when I felt most alive and free. I can't wait for this upcoming May to drive in my batmobile with the music blasting. I can't wait to feel free again.
No comments:
Post a Comment