Written by: Lenina Close

I recently overheard someone declare “America has become a nation of cowards”. The thought lingered in my mind like a bad taste in one’s mouth. Upon further reflection, I had to consider whether America’s unconditional acceptance of various cultures, lifestyles and backgrounds had become more highly valued than the notion of protecting our freedom as the foundation of our existence. Had “we the people” become so enamored with tolerance and open-mindedness that we failed to recognize that without freedom we wouldn’t have the option to accept or reject any other way of life?

Former Congressman Bob Schaffer once said “weakness threatens freedom”. This profound truth has repeatedly materialized in numerous historical accounts over the centuries. Yet the idea of defending freedom is often viewed as a rejection of the “acceptance” dogma which we proudly honor in this country. The conundrum is defined in terms of acceptance or rejection of diversity. Under this pretense, either an individual accepts all walks of life, or they don’t. But let us be clear on the choices. If one chooses to defend freedom, one may indeed reject those ideologies that do not honor freedom as an absolute, but in this case, one is choosing freedom, not necessarily rebuffing diversity. Americans should reject any belief system that would tyrannize freedom, but the higher value is a vote for freedom and defending that ideal upon which our nation was founded.

In our country’s Declaration of Independence, the elemental conviction, was a pronouncement that “…all men are created equal.” It was clearly recognized as a “self evident truth” that each individual is equal to another; not necessarily in ability or talent, but equal before God and therefore should be acknowledged and treated as such.

There is an oft overlooked danger in absolute acceptance and tolerance. If we choose to accept those walks of life that don’t honor freedom, instead of defending our freedom at all costs, then we portray the very weakness that in turn threatens that freedom. One can only accept another who is different if one is free to do so. One can only consider all men equal as long as the higher principle is to defend the freedom to think in such terms. The ability to accept another religion, another culture, or another life style is threatened by any group who tries to oppress freedom as a fundamental value.

Dr. Yaron Brooks of the Ayn Rand Institute states that “Political correctness is ruling and ruining our lives.” (May 11, 2007). Our distinguished nation is indeed a glorious melting pot that celebrates the strength of diversity. American citizens are a blessed and fortunate people. We get to choose whether to accept (or reject) ideals different from our own. But we are only privileged to the degree that we are willing to unwaveringly preserve the freedom that allows us this opportunity. Without freedom, we no longer have a choice to accept any view other than the one that subjugated our freedom in the first place.

Ronald Reagan once said ““No arsenal … is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.” As we enter this New Year, and this new legislative season, please consider freedom as a nonnegotiable value and the defense of that freedom the highest priority.

Offer thanks for those who have given their lives to defend American freedom and celebrate the privilege you have to make choices about the ideas you personally accept or reject.