Freedom

Freedom.  In this country, freedom takes the form of an umbrella, under which many a person may toss their hat. 

We are free to hop in the car and drive thousands of miles, in whatever direction we choose, with out road blocks or check points.  We are free to express ourselves in a variety of ways, be it a work of art or as simple as the clothes put upon our backs.  We are free to speak our minds.  We are free to dream and turn those dreams into realities. We are free to worship any deity, without the fear of persecution.  There are so many freedoms, it may be nearly impossible to name them all.

Having this much freedom also calls for great responsibility.  We must take great care of our freedoms so they can be passed on to the next generations.  We must learn to respect freedom and not use it as a door mat.  Freedom should be set high on a pedestal, to remind us to treat it with compassion and to handle it as if it where a piece of fine crystal.

In this country, the great melting pot of the entire globe, freedom is like a bubbling spring.  We can admire its beauty and we may sip from its sparkling waters.  Let us not forget the price that was paid, in order for that water to be free and let us not waste a single drop.