Freedom

The many shades and shapes of freedom are everywhere. We have the freedom to rise and stand when we wish, sit when needed, walk or stride to wherever we desire. We have jobs to choose among, occupations to dream about, prepare for and strive for. We have freedom to choose our spouse, build a family and continue our family, society and all that comes with it. We can invent something new or better that what already is, and take the risk to start our own business, make our product, deliver it those who want it, pay our bills and rest at day’s end.

We live in a country of no tyranny. Well, I’m not sure of that these days, but, certainly we live in a country of less tyranny than many or most others?

Not sure that is saying much.

The collapse of the Surfside, Florida condo building is a great analogy. Build something big and strong, live in it for many years. Its construction is solid and massive. Steel. Concrete reinforced with steel rods. Massive concrete beams bolstered by steel. Strong enough to last hundreds of years.

Maybe not. In fact, not. 40 years into its life, the building was in more trouble than the condo board knew. Oh, it knew some facts, but not certain how they all combined to spell disaster. But disaster happened.

Expected or not, we have the power to know what the facts are. We face them or not, at our peril.

In this case, peril aplenty. At least 24 dead, most likely 145 dead. And 150+ homes destroyed. Nothing to salvage but memories and some insurance checks, and those are in doubt now. The living will have difficult times being without loved ones, and perhaps their possessions and a secure home. The latter’s security forever now in doubt.

What was once safe is in question. What freedoms we knew are now gone. What was believed to be strong was weak.

Same for our nation. Our history. Our lives today. Our expectations for tomorrow.

Think about that line of words. Think about our beliefs and reliance’s on the beliefs. Do we truly believe in freedom and it being always in our lives? Do we? Why do we believe that? Do we take it for granted it will always be there?

The condo building failed. Our nation could fail. Our way of life is in doubt. Always has been. It is safe if we work to maintain it. If we do our duty and the required work, freedom will remain. Our way of life will remain.

It will disappear like the condo building if we do not do our duty, our maintenance.

Responsibility comes in many forms. Some of it is in the form of casting a vote every time the opportunity is offered. It takes the form of understanding that ballot and the people on it. Will they represent our form of government well enough to maintain it? Or must I run for that office to guarantee my expectations will prevail?

Want a lovely home? Paint it. Repair it. Remodel it. Make it into your own shape and function. Attend to it. Safeguard it. Work for what you believe it should be. Same for your community, block or town. Your state and nation needs your commitment as well.

Never take that for granted. If you do, plenty of Florida condos await your purchase.

Freedom? For what?

July 5, 2021