Mile markers to freedom.
Freedom has been a fundamental aspiration throughout history, and its attainment has taken various forms and occurred at different moments. Here are some significant milestones related to freedom:
The Declaration of Independence (1776): More than a year after fighting broke out between colonial militia and British forces in April 1775, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia finally decided to declare the independence of the North American colonies. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, presented the colonists’ grievances against Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson’s introductory words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights…” echoed strongly through generations to come1.
The Bill of Rights (1791): After several failed attempts at creating a government, a 1787 convention was called to draft a new legal system for the United States. The resulting Constitution provided for increased federal authority while still protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens. In the earliest years of the new nation, many people opposed the Constitution because they thought it gave the federal government too much power. As soon as the new U.S. Congress met, it began debating constitutional amendments, the first 10 of which were ratified in December 1791 as the Bill of Rights. By guaranteeing fundamental rights—including freedom of speech, religion, the right to bear arms, and the right to a fair trial—the Bill of Rights greatly expanded the civil liberties of Americans1.
The Abolition of Slavery (1863-1865): President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Although it applied only to slaves in Confederate states, Lincoln made it clear in his historic Gettysburg Address that the Union now fought to provide a “new birth of freedom” rather than simply bring the South back into the fold. Additionally, on June 19, 1865, known as Juneteenth, the last enslaved people in Texas were freed, marking a significant moment in the abolition of slavery2.
These moments reflect the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality, and they continue to shape our understanding of liberty and human rights. 🗽🌟
Fri. organ existentialist thought anxiety plays a central role in our understanding of freedom. Let’s explore this:
Existential Anxiety:
- A prominent existentialist philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre, emphasized the concept of anguish or existential anxiety.
- It arises from our radical freedom and responsibility.
- Anxiety emerges when we realize that we are entirely free to choose our actions.
- We become acutely aware of our mortality and the absence of fixed values or meanings in the universe1.
Awareness of Freedom:
- Existentialists argue that anxiety often occurs when we recognize the absurdity of life.
- Our awareness of freedom and responsibility can lead to a sense of overwhelming dread.
- This awareness allows us to make healthy or destructive choices based on our understanding of our agency2.
In summary, existential anxiety is intertwined with our freedom, reminding us of the weight of our choices and the vastness of existence. 🌟🔍🌿 ertainly! The struggle for freedom and democracy is a universal endeavor, transcending borders and cultures. Here are some notable trends and country-specific struggles:
Global Trends:
- Decline in Global Freedom: Unfortunately, global freedom has declined for the 17th consecutive year. Factors such as Moscow’s war of aggression in Ukraine and new coups in various countries have contributed to this erosion of democratic values1.
- Turning Point?: Interestingly, the gap between countries with overall improvements in political rights and civil liberties and those with declines has narrowed. Thirty-four countries made improvements, while 35 experienced declines. This suggests that the struggle for democracy may be approaching a turning point1.
- Media Freedom Under Pressure: Attacks on journalists persist, with media freedom coming under pressure in at least 157 countries during 2022. Journalists face intimidation and violence, even in some democracies1.
Country-Specific Struggles:
- Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso recently moved from “Partly Free” to “Not Free.” The struggle for democracy remains intense in this West African nation1.
- Peru: Peru’s overall freedom status downgraded from “Free” to “Partly Free.” Political challenges continue to impact civil liberties1.
- Colombia and Lesotho: On a positive note, both Colombia and Lesotho earned upgrades in their overall freedom status, moving from “Partly Free” to "Free"1.
- Manipulation of Elections: The manipulation of elections remains a leading cause of global erosion in freedom. Countries like Cambodia, Guatemala, Poland, Turkey, and Zimbabwe have faced challenges in ensuring fair competition among political parties2.
Historical Context:
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, proclaimed by the United Nations in 1948, strengthened the momentum toward self-determination and freedom in Africa and other regions. It emphasized universal equality, freedom, and justice, ushering in an era of sovereign countries3.
In summary, the struggle for freedom persists globally, with both challenges and moments of progress. Democracy remains a dynamic force shaped by events, alliances, and the unwavering commitment of people across the world. 🌍🗽
Certainly! Individuals play a crucial role in advancing global freedom and justice. Here are some ways to contribute:
Advocate for Equity and Justice:
- Support Global Justice Organizations: Organizations advocating for global justice and human rights need our backing. By supporting them, we contribute to a fairer world where everyone’s rights are respected1.
- Private Sector Commitment: Business leaders and the private sector can commit to justice by ensuring their practices align with equitable principles.
Promote Equal Rights and Access to Justice:
- Access to Justice: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 5 billion people worldwide lacked access to justice, and nearly 1.5 billion people had unresolved justice issues. We must prioritize equity and justice in recovery plans to prevent leaving anyone behind in the fight against extreme poverty1.
- Inclusive Leadership: All individuals, regardless of race, gender, sexual identity, or abilities, should have equal rights and access to justice. Strong institutions and inclusive leadership are essential for building a sustainable world1.
Stand Against Violence and Abuse:
- Global Goals: The international community pledged to achieve the United Nations’ Global Goals and end extreme poverty by 2030, leaving no one behind. We must come together to end all forms of violence and abuse1.
- COVID-19 Response: The pandemic has disrupted progress toward an equitable and just world. By advocating for fairness, we can recover better together1.
Remember, every action counts. Whether it’s raising awareness, supporting organizations, or championing equal rights, individuals collectively shape the path toward a more just and free world. 🌍🗽
If you’d like to take action, you can join Global Citizen in their efforts to promote equity and justice for all1.1
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