A few thoughts on freedom

Definition: the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views. Oxford Dictionary

Some quotes:

“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” Abraham Lincoln.

“You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free.” Clarence Darrow

“Only the educated are free.” Epictetus

“The only freedom which deserves the name, is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it.” John Stuart Mill

“The First Amendment is often inconvenient. But that is besides the point. Inconvenience does not absolve the government of its obligation to tolerate speech.” Justice Anthony Kennedy

“It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.” Mark Twain

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela

“Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.” Benjamin Franklin

Does any of this sound like this year’s Idaho Legislature?

KEN THACKER

Sagle