OP/ED by Dr. Robert Kennedy
It is often stated that “one of the greatest gifts that God has given to humanity is freedom.” Such freedom is accepted as fundamental to the American way of life and ensconced within the Constitution as four great freedoms.
The First Amendment to the Constitution reads, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Although he did not seek to add it to the Constitution, as Americans got involved in WWII, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his annual address to Congress on Jan. 6, 1941, in which he articulated what became known as the Four Freedoms. Two of these four freedoms relate to the First Amendment: freedom of speech and expression, freedom to worship God in one’s own way, then he added, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
Painter Norman Rockwell did a series of paintings illustrating the four freedoms as international war goals that went beyond defeating the Axis powers. Thus, after the war, the four freedoms, alongside those in the United States Constitution, were embedded in the charter of the newly formed organization named the United Nations, formed to maintain peace in the world. These freedoms have become the basis for calling for human rights all across the world.
I wish to observe, after providing the context for clarifying that there is a need for freedom at the heart of human life, that there is much abuse of freedoms across the world. To list the countries where freedoms are heavily restricted would require volumes. But I note in this reflection that it is a profound tragedy that here in the United States of America where freedom is so highly respected, there is an abuse of our freedoms by those who do not understand that there are boundaries to freedom.
Let us take the example as to what the COVID-19 has revealed concerning the misuse of freedom. Wherever mask-wearing is left up to a choice, it is amazing how many persons fail to wear. The excuse given is that they have the right to use their freedom as they please. Some have gone into large assemblies at the beaches, political rallies, parties, churches, and other places, and after the events are over within days, there are reports of the spike of the COVID-19, based on what happened at the assemblies. When asked about their behaviors, some politicians have even asserted that they cannot stop them, for it is their “freedom of speech.”
I do not know how this can be when we are told that the droplets from the COVID-19 travel some 6-27 feet, depending on the kind of activity in which people are engaging, without their masks. Whatever freedom is involved, I call it “false freedom,” and I list them as being:
1. Reckless
2. Selfish
3. Insensitive
4. Unkind
5. Inconsiderate
6. Cowardly
7. And you might add other descriptives, if you wish.
I think of going to places in times past, before we were told how dangerous second-hand smoking was, and people were given the right to smoke anywhere. Even as a little boy, I remember when I appealed to smokers who were blowing their smoke on me, how most of them would not pay any attention to me. It used to be awful on airplanes, rented cars, taxis, and many stores and restaurants. I was overjoyed when there was a ban on smoking in public places. I have never smoked and hated the smell, but have suffered the pain of friends who have died from lung cancer because their life’s partner smoked.
The point I am making should be clear. Yes, we have our freedoms, and such freedoms are to be protected. But when the exercise of your freedom becomes destructive and takes away my freedom, then that is not freedom. Let me go back to wearing a mask to say that if the lack of wearing is going to spread the COVID-19, then it is crucial to wear. Wear your mask. Do not be foolish, because you do not live on an island of your own. We live in community together, and we are here to protect each other. So, let us keep the recommended social distance, wash our hands, and wear our masks as we need to.
How shall we use our freedoms, without hurting others or destroying our own lives? Here are just a few Bible answers that I quote. You need not be a Christian to appreciate them. They are very much within the range of what is in the American Constitution and what was articulated by President Roosevelt and Norman Rockwell. They are principles that are at the heart of creation.
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 NKJV)
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV)
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13 NKJV).
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; (Romans 12:10 NKJV)
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; (1 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV)
May God help us to use our freedoms in ways that will be a blessing to all.
