Freedom isn't Free

By Douglas V. Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host

In the image on this post the wording on the canopy states "Freedom Is Not Free."  That goes beyond what the military does.  With freedom also comes civic responsibility.

We have civic duties and obligations as members of our system of liberty.  Our participation is imperative.

Since we are not a democracy, there is much more to do than just voting.

As Benjamin Franklin exited the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, he walked across a grassy hill.  He was approached by a woman in a bonnet, and she asked, "Sir, what have you given us?  A monarchy, or a republic?"

Doctor Franklin responded, "A republic, ma'am, if you can keep it."

That woman was Elizabeth Powel.  She was the wife of Philadelphia Mayor Samuel Powel.  The couple owned a business that today we would call a bed and breakfast.  They served opulent dinners to attract the most notable travelers.  In fact, it is believed that George Washington spent more than half of his suppers at the Powel House during the four and a half months of the Constitutional Convention during the Summer of 1787.

After dinner, the men would then retire to the parlor, light their pipes, and debate politics.  Unlike most women of her era, Elizabeth would follow the men and argue politics with them.  She was well informed, and staunchly opinionated.

Mrs. Powel developed relationships with the politicians and influenced them.  It was not unheard of to see her and George Washington strolling the streets while engaged in deep political discussion.  It was her who convinced Washington to serve a second term, for example.

Because she was a woman, Elizabeth could not vote.  That's not what Ben Franklin meant about keeping the republic, anyway.  Voting is the democracy part of a system, but we are a republic, and Elizabeth Powel gave us a perfect example of what that means.

In history, tyranny is the norm, and liberty is the exception.  Liberty takes a lot of work.  After all, freedom is not free.

So, when you hear the term, freedom isn't free, remember, that doesn't just mean that it has to be militarily fought for.  Freedom must be fought for civically, as well.  The fight exists on multiple levels.

As Burke told us, all it takes for tyranny to take hold is for good people to do nothing.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary