"What elements must be in place for a group of people to consider themselves "free"?"
Freedom can be measured in different ways from degrees of freedom in motion to freedom in government. In a socio-governmental aspect, basic rights are needed in order to truly be free. The basic rights of life include food, shelter, freedom from physical abuse, clothes, etc. These basic rights are not being given in China to the Falun Dafa members who are being captured for their spiritual beliefs. Falun Dafa members meet in large groups on the street to do exercises to promote healthy lifestyles. These members are not free since they are not free from the physical abuse of the government. According to one of our speakers, Ms. Chen, these Falun Dafa practitioners are being rounded up and sent to labor camps or killed and exploited for their organs. The Communism of China isn’t to blame for this; however, it’s the fear of a governmental overthrow from the masses that is causing the government to react so fiercely. For instance, Mr. Song, another speaker, told us that in China he lives a free life. He also added that the only reason that the Falun Dafa members are being detained is because they denounced the Communist Party, thus becoming a threat to the government. In either case, the basic rights would be needed in order to enjoy freedom.
In a personal sense, perspective determines whether one is free or not. For instance, a monk who has practiced meditation for 25 years may think he is not free until he reaches nirvana, whereas a high school student is free once the weekend rolls around. It’s not always psychological. A paraplegic may never consider himself to be free again, since he cannot walk. He no longer has the freedom to move freely. The bottom line is that freedom is a very general term that can be applied in many aspects of life, but when used in a governmental aspect basic rights are necessary.
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2 comments:
Interesting philosophy. How can you say "The Communism of China isn’t to blame for this; however, it’s the fear of a governmental overthrow from the masses that is causing the government to react so fiercely." By practical application communism is based on fear - fear of the party - of rebellion - of inequity - even of neighbors. My colleague lived behind the iron curtain and has a lot to say about fear. I will ask him to read this.
Indeed. Fear of overthrow leads to atrocity. In the USSR neighbors would be visited by the secret police. They would be told, "We understand your neighbor George is against the party, what do you think?" You said, "Oh no, not George..." "Oh really?" they'd say. "Are you sure? Because you have some children who need you and a wife who needs her job, no? Then maybe you could think again about George. Are you SURE he's not against the party? Maybe you could get some information for us. Or maybe you are trying to protect him." And you feared the government and you feared your neighbor and you feared whispering the truth to your children in case they would dare think to share your ideas with a friend. And you feared for your extended family if you left and you feared for your children if you stayed. And you feared things could never change and you feared you could never leave. And you knew fear could defeat you. Fear indeed. Fear and communism are the same things.
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