Let Freedom Ring!

Let Freedom Ring!

When we think about freedom, we usually consider the individual rights inherent in the Constitution. The freedoms we hold dear like to live as we see fit. But what about the freedom granted to governments? How about states' rights and liberties granted to local municipalities? It's over for the rest of us when they lose their liberty. How can we expect to maintain and defend our rights while our elected officials lay down and roll over to tyrannical legislation like Florida's SB 102 and SB 540?

Politicians' most common campaign slogan is "I will fight for you." But when it comes time to do the actual fighting, that's when amnesia usually sets in. We need leaders unafraid of consequences or controversy, not those who kowtow to a higher office out of fear or misguided respect. We need leaders whose instincts are to protect the community they serve, ones that put themselves in the line of fire without thinking about repercussions. Public servants should never be self-serving. Regulations only guarantee a specific portion of needs. Freedom serves the entire community. The argument for mandated regulation is negated by allotting for policy freely and willingly. If we choose to make our own decisions, we won't have to accept the portions that do not suit us.

Florida is not a one size fits all State; we are rich in diverse landscapes and communities. The majority should not be forced to behave like much larger cities or even smaller ones. We are unique and individual and should govern ourselves that way. We know what is best for us. We should not be reduced to the lowest common denominator.

One of our most significant human flaws is a desire to control everything; there is no freedom in control. Faith, confidence, and certitude are what we need to shape our future and develop our communities according to a plan specified to local needs. We must stand against the overuse of authority. The iron fist of those that impose their will and think they know better than us. If history has taught us anything, power has an insatiable appetite. The perverse nature of government has a lust for authority that is only satisfied when they deny us freedom.

There were 909 bills introduced in Florida in 2023. Numbers like these occur every year. We do not get to vote on bills. We vote for the representative who then introduces and votes on the bills. We can only hope they vote in a way that represents our beliefs. But do not be too quick to point fingers; these are bi-partisan bills. Most politicians do not trust you and me. They believe only in themselves. What would the next step be to secure their control? Take away our ability to challenge their overreach. That is what these new bills achieve for them. What is worse is that they serve the interest of developers. Most of them a written by the developer's attorneys. I wish my business could have laws written to protect my interest and allow me to change rules as needed. Who can fathom that amount of power? If elected officials serve the developers, who is running our State? Whatever happened to, for the people, by the people?

It is time we come together in unity and fight against any politician, regardless of party, that treats the government like it's an enterprise. We must free ourselves from the shackles of abuse. If it was true that we were only one generation away from losing our freedom, then today, we are just one bill away.