Have you ever really considered what democracy and its freedoms mean? And what the opposite of them would do to your life?
For those who live in democratic countries…
Have you ever thought about people who live in countries that have never known freedom? The freedom to do, say, protest, love, and worship as they want. Do you truly appreciate the freedoms you enjoy?
In the United States where democracy and its accompanying freedoms have existed the longest, many Americans take it for granted. Some fail to see when democracy is being threatened. A few deny or lie about democracy being in danger. A few grossly ignorant individuals want democracy to be replaced by autocracy.
For those who live in totalitarian countries…
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be able to do, say, protest, love, and worship as you want? Have you ever thought about these things beyond what you are told in your government-controlled news, schools, and publications?
Have you ever visualized a life of freedom outside of the bubble or country that you now live in? The United States was created by men and women who dreamed of freedom and then put their lives on the line to make it happen.
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Freedom is wonderful. But freedom is not free. The costs to maintain, nurture, and strengthen democracy and its freedoms have been great! It is worth it though. Especially when you consider the alternatives.