Why do Americans choose SAFETY over FREEDOM?

Question

Both Liberals and Conservatives choose Safety over Freedom in today's political landscape. America is more concerned with it's security than its freedoms.

Since the beginning of the 20th Century, America has involved itself in countless conflicts across the globe, chiefly for its own benefit. The civilian casualties suffered by US intervention are the highest in history, not to mention Hiroshima, Tokyo and Nagasaki - the most utterly brutal and deadly attack on human civilians ever, over half a million peole dead in a matter of hours.

But the average American is scared to death in his or her own country.

Doesn't this sound like cowardice?

Answer 1

You can sell carloads of snake oil with sufficient fear.

Interesting - in a clinical sense - how some folks can be so passionate and adamant about the Second Amendment, but cavalier about the First.

Hey...do whatever you need to do...just gimme a little more warm and fuzzy feeling of safety. "I got nothin' to hide."

But then, somehow, that same sentiment doesn't apply to the current occupant.

Answer 2

In inner city neighborhoods where crime was rampant the families decieded they had enough of locking themselves in at night to be safe. the 'took back the streets.' Somehow I see a parralel. So who took back the streets? Not the cops for the people. Want something done right ? Do it yourself.The media, the police ,the security forces and everyone who is job dependant on secutity issues will and do hype up that issue creating more fear . The gullible call for more laws, better checks, more checks. The politicians are only to happy to comply.
Ordinary people will have to call for an end to the hype. Vigilent you all must be. but when you feel you must lock yourselves up , no one can call that freedom

Answer 3

Not cowardice, rather Americans have independent lives, and like everyone else, are concerned with the here and now, and future for family. To make a better life for themselves and their children. It that too difficult of a concept for you to grasp?

We place our faith in our elected leaders. We do not have the time nor inclination to question our elected leaders in as much as we are secure in the knowledge that what is done is done for the good.

I know of no American scared to to death.

And last time I checked, millions are escaping the other world you speak of by coming to America.

No one sees millions fleeing America.

Too bad, so sad, but like it or hate it, America is the best country in the world, bar none.

good day.

Answer 4

This is an issue of mistaken perception.

I am not scared. This is because I think for myself. I do not give my most personal responsibility over to others. I am not a victim.

What the government does in response to perceived threats around the world has grown far out of the hands of the voters in day to day reality. The most the voters, as a group, can do is voice their concerns through the polls.

Rather than come to an inaccurate conclusion due to incomplete details, think again about your definition of safety, freedom and the involved parties.

Answer 5

There is no freedom without safety. Benjamin Franklin said taht before massive weaponry and the ability to drive planes into a building. One shot rifles were all that existed.

Chiefly for it's own benefit? WWII, WWI, were chiefly for the US' benefit? How so?

As for the highest civilian deaths, I think you better look that up again. Look up Genghis Kahn, Stalin (his own people). Do you believe the Holocaust happened? The Crusades were before the US was even here. Your line of thought is illogical and historically inaccurate.

Answer 6

You are generalizing when you say "Both Liberals and Conservatives". Yes, many on both sides do. But many do not.

It all comes down to what people are told, and how well they are manipulated.

Most people don't think of themselves as free -- not free from their jobs, not free to do what they want, not free in their own minds. Granted, much of that is self-imposed limitation, but if people don't think they're free now, they don't feel like they are giving anything up. It's corrupting one false illusion with another.

Answer 7

It does, but it is only in your own brain.

Anarchy is freedom, but stupid.

There are some freedoms we care more about than others, and want competing rights protected as well.

I don't know anyone truly in favor of a free for all.

Answer 8

Gee....I thought that Japan bombing Pearl Harbor was the reason we got into WWII.....so you're saying that the US just got itself involved with the war for no reason?

Wow....you're SOOOO smart! Smart enough to rewrite history.

Let me guess....Pearl Harbor was a government conspiracy, right? Or, it was filmed in a studio like the moon landing? Oh, I know....WWII was Bush's fault too, wasn't it?

Brilliant!

Answer 9

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Those who are willing to trade a little liberty for a little security, deserve neither and will lose both."

Personally I would much rather live in a dangerous world where I can make my own decisions, instead of a safe world where my decisions are made for me.

Answer 10

wrongo! America has involved itself in conflicts because we give a damn! And I sure as hell am NOT afraid of my wonderful country! BTW, who ever comes to our aid when needed!