Freedom is Over-rated

The price we pay for freedom is too high.

And the benefits of democracy are too small. America’s old-fashioned ideal of freedom is too hard, too expensive, too time-consuming and too stressful. May I suggest a paradigm shift in our thinking.

Cambodia showed us how to deal with the problems of freedom. From 1975-1979, the people of Cambodia were ruled by the communist party known as the Khmer Rouge, under the leadership of Pol Pot. Under this regime, all of the population was taken care of by the government. Food was provided and rationed daily. Think of the time it would save if we didn’t have to prepare food. We wouldn’t have to drive five flippin’ miles to the grocery store or face the dizzying array of fresh fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market. Too many choices are paralyzing.

And another thing. Getting a small bowl of rice everyday would eliminate the burden of menu planning. And it would bring household peace. No more children complaining about having to eat onions or tomatoes. And glory hallelujah! No longer would we need “The Chart” on the fridge to settle the dispute about whose night it is to fix dinner.

Under the Khmer Rouge, everyone was issued the same black clothing. We wouldn’t have to waste time at a mall ever again! Have you ever had this frustrating experience: standing in your walk-in closet the size of New Hampshire bulging with clothing and thinking “I have nothing to wear.” Don’t you just hate that? Again, the burden of choice would be completely lifted.

In Cambodia during this time, permission had to be granted to leave your town or have visitors. Luckily, you would have the legitimate excuse you've always wanted to avoid entertaining your annoying relatives. "Sorry, you can't come visit. It wasn't approved."

Don’t even get me started on healthcare. Oh if we could just have socialism. No more high premiums. And the best part is that there will be a 6-12 month waiting list to have procedures and tests done, so if you need something major done urgently, you could go to Mexico. How lucky to get to travel. A vacation AND healthcare all in one!

America's role of being an ensign to the world is too much pressure.

Pastor William J. Cameron, once said, “God’s grading is always upward. If He raises up a nation, it is that other nations may be raised up through its ministry. If he exalts a great man or woman, an apostle of liberty or science or faith, it is that he might raise a degraded people to a better condition. This divine selection is not a prize, a complement paid to a man or a nation – it is a burden imposed. It is not a pandering to the vanity of a person or people; it is a yolk bound upon the necks of those who are chosen for a special service.”

Since cutting the tether in 1776, America has been viewed as the golden child. But having to uphold such a reputation can be destructive. High expectations create a fantasy world resulting in a perpetual state of frustration, accompanied by intolerance and calcified opinions. Those with high acumen can observe that over time, this huge responsibility of exemplification has weighted down our nation into social, economic, political, educational, moral and spiritual decline.

Finally, our leaders are realizing that it would be better to let other nations share in the siren’s song of glory. Becoming purchased by China will absolve us of the difficulties in being the world’s superpower. We can turn over the fiscal mess to them. Thank heavens they are willing to be our savior. Eventually as China becomes owners of America, they can take over the political climate as well. Maybe, we can even reach the point that we won’t have to deal with elections. No more mud slinging and streets polluted with campaign signs. No more factions. No more dissent. That is just too painful to put up with in exchange for being able to elect our leaders.

Helen Keller once said, "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." Our founding father's vision was so short-sighted. They simply had too much integrity and were too idealistic. Freedom just isn't all it was cracked up to be.

It is no wonder that people don’t stand and salute the flag anymore as it marches by in parades.