Did you ever imagine it would come to this? Terrorism right here in our own back yard. Welcome back to the dark ages where it’s repent or die and you still will likely die for all the things you did or didn’t do or the things the accuser believes you did or didn’t do correctly.
How did we get to a place where people are killed for what they believe, what they think, what they say or do or draw or write or sing or how they choose to live? We’ve been here all along haven’t we? Hasn’t it been this way for centuries? Until modern civilization came around, people were killed for their beliefs. Sadly, even after modern humanity supposedly rose above this behavior, it has persisted.
Most religions teach that death is a release, an entry into the afterlife of one kind or another, an ultimate escape from the hard labor of life. For some it’s the start of a new life cycle. For others it’s the opportunity to commune with their god or be reunited with the already departed friends and loved ones. Even so, all of these beliefs value life. They teach that life is precious and fragile. Life should be treasured, embraced and appreciated and lived right before it slips from our mortal bones.
Now we have a group that dismisses life as worthless. Lives of believers are easily sacrificed for the cause, so why not those of enemies? This belief system breeds terror. Indeed, one chooses one’s words carefully when the specter of terror hits so close to home. That is the essence of terrorism.
It’s true that there are people whose beliefs I abhor. There are actions I find truly offensive. Yet, so long as these expressions do not harm me or infringe on my rights, I respect the other party’s right to say or think or believe whatever they want. This basic freedom is lost on too many. I cannot understand it. Do I think these people deserve to die because I disagree with them? Of course not. Yet this is an illogical world.
It would seem that a basic freedom of speech would be embraced the world over. However, many fear this freedom. Freedom can erode power. It can change belief systems. It can challenge prejudice and hate. Worst of all, it can provoke thought and in fact encourage it. When one is free to think and speak and believe as one chooses, tyrants lose their grip. Minds are opened. The oppressed revolt. The only alternative is to silence those who choose freedom.
Ultimately there are too many believers in freedom for anyone to silence forever. Freedom will always emerge. Whether in underground meetings or secretly passed notes or with a raised eyebrow or whisper or whether staring down a tank in a public square, freedom’s power is unquenchable. Let’s not ever forget that.
That’s what I’m thinking.
Rick Hadley
24/7 News
