Why does The USA always claim to be defending freedom?

Question

Why do we always claim to be defending freedom when in fact they are one of the least free nation out of all the other free nations in the world?

Answer 1

Hmm.... interesting question. I travel the world and have noticed some weird things at home in the US that don't happen in other countries. I'm not referring to Muslim nations or places like North Korea or Cuba.
I.E.
- In the US you see a fight in a bar and there's cops all over the place with arrests, criminal charges and the whole nine yards. In other countries these things are resolved with a handshake and an apology.
- In the US there are harsh and extreme punishments for the pettiest of crimes; according to Dateline or 20/20 (not sure which one it was) they had segments on one guy who was just released from prison after serving 50 years for stealing a TV. And, another guy who served 25 years for smoking a joint. This does not happen in Europe for example.
- In the US you need a license and permit for just about EVERYTHING, which is not the case in other countries.
- In the US they arrest you for having a beer in public (you don't have to be drunk). In other countries it's none of anyones business what people are drinking.
- In the US ordinary citizens are crimimnalized for the pettiest offenses - even if it was an accident.
- In the US we have an enoumously big government which which intrudes into every aspect of our private lives. They know EVERYTHING about you and we are monitores 24/7. Watch CNBC's documentary called "Big Brother - Big Business" http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6061213358499552766
You'll be in shock. Other nations value peoples privacy.
- The US is a police state; I've been approached on 2 seperate occasions by cops who stuck their hands in my pockets without any reason - just to see what I have in them. This NEVER happens in other countries.
- I was driving to Atlanta for a conference a few years ago and was pulled over and ordered to open my trunk and interrogated as to where I was coming from, where I was traveling to, who I was with, why I was with them etc... and then they interrogared the passengers in my car. In other countries...... they need to have a reason to pull you over and then it's straight by the book. I remember being in Germnany as a passenger in a car; we were pulled over for a broken tail light. I had a rum and coke in my hands (I wasn't driving) and it wasn't an issue. Try that in the States......
- I could go on and on but there are just too many examples to list here. In fact they'd probably fill up an entire book. So, I tend to agree that we're lacking freedoms and for those who disagree..... - do some travelling and see the world first.

Edit: I noticed a lot of defensive responses out there...... I don't think the asker is refering to the likes of Iraq, North Korea, Afghanistan, et al. He is obviously refering to other FREE nations, so why would you make comparisons to the likes of Cuba????? Newsflash: Most of the world is not "third world" or "communist" like you think.

Answer 2

The word freedom is simply an icon, like the flag, the pledge, and the smiley face emoticon, a show of unity against whatever scares the masses, politicians use fear and symbolism to engage support for their cause. There were few countries and individuals willing to disrupt the USA before the last few wars---now there are many oppressed people ready to show occupiers and profiteers what real freedom is about.; It is definitely not about fabricating global enemies nor is it about appropriating other nation's resources. Manipulation of citizen's will has been popular since the tribal order of early society. The need to follow is embedded in the human psyche. Few leaders are ethical enough to govern without threat of loss of ideals. Even fewer exercise that elusive freedom of speech to rally people to the good of the many. This demonstrates just how important it is to vote freely.

Answer 3

If you think that the US is all that bad, why don't you go and live in a third world country and see just how bad it really is here. You people that complain about the US don't have any idea just how good you have it. Yea, so it's expensive, but the meaning behind this being a free country has nothing to do with money. It has to do with our freedom as people. The freedom to do what you want, go where you will, buy the things you need, and have the freedom to vote for who runs this great country. This is the greatest country in the world and all you people can do is complain. If you really want to know what it's all about, read the American Constitution. There is where your answers lie. There are men and women that are in the four branches of service and that died so that you can sit at your breakfast table and eat Frootloops and watch cartoons on Saturday morning. They have died and continue to die so you can have the freedom to go to a store and buy candy and soda and they also made it and keep it safe for you and your family. They died to give you the freedom to learn to drive a car and be able to go out and run around with your friends on the weekends. made your school safe.

Answer 4

Not sure what you mean by "one of the least free nation." The US constitution and Bill of Rights have guaranteed a vast array of freedoms to U.S. citizens for over 200 years. The US Supreme Court is a co-equal branch of the government with the power to deny the President and Congress the ability to enact or enforce laws that contravene the liberties provide for in the Constitution.

The truth is that there is not another country in the world that comes close to the United States. This is borne out by the millions of immigrants from all over the world have flocked to America because of the opportunities and liberties available here and no where else. If you don't agree, you have the right to not come here or, if you're already here, to leave and seek your fortune and freedoms elsewhere. Good luck!

Answer 5

Because it is possible to get away with it. In school we learn that America's international actions are motivated by the love of freedom, and that they are always successful. For example, during the recent protest against the US occupation in Iraq by Iraquis, someone from the American operation said that the fact that they could protest showed "progress"--when in fact the whole operation is getting worse and worse, a total disaster. Freedom is a cover for the US to operate however it pleases in the world, and americans are taught to accept it and support it. Because only a communist or someone bad would not support "freedom".

Answer 6

Why don't you go live in a nation you feel to be more free and you'll come back with an appreciation for the freedoms that America gives you?

You haven't experienced what it is like in other countires, obviously.

The ones in the USA are the best in the world.

Answer 7

Are U from the USA or from somewhere else? We are free here. We have lots of freedoms that other countries dont, especially for women.

Answer 8

How do you figure we are the least free.
We have more protests against the government than allow anywhere.

If you try burning lets say Iranian solider in effigy you be toast.

I suggest you take a trip around the world than you WILL know we have more freedoms than anyone.

Answer 9

The very thought of you asking and posting this question should answer your freedom statement,not many countries in the world would let you get away with it

Answer 10

We are defending freedom, I think we are quite free here. What freedoms do you lack?