To the editor;
I think most people in Canada, have seen several of the numerous signs proclaiming “freedom.” They have been nearly ubiquitous for some weeks now: hand-held placards, posted on buildings, attached to vehicles. My favourite was a hand-held placard at the Ottawa truckers rally which read simply: “Freedom is Essential.” Absolutely true, particularly for a truly democratic society. But the problem is that freedom is never absolute, nor is liberty licence. They have two important limits.
The first limit is simply tied to the well known adage of uncertain origin: “My right to swing my hands freely stops where the other person’s nose begins.” In other words, my freedom is constrained by my need to respect the freedoms of others.
The second limit is more subtle and complex. From the 1970s to the early 2000s the Royal Canadian Legion annually sent out a packet of resources to assist schools in preparing a Remembrance Day ceremony. The packet included a short essay that could be used as a statement during the ceremony, where the sacrifices made for our freedoms during two world wars was emphasized. But the essay continued with a brief discussion on the importance of our freedoms being tempered by responsibility. And that temperance in equally important today.
Some recent events clearly transgressed the rights of others. But more so, any sense of societal responsibility was violated absolutely. What is of considerable interest is why, all of a sudden, normally responsible people should act so irresponsibly?
I think too much blame has been given to the stresses and strains of the past two years. More important has been the individual decision making processes, where attitudes are being formed based on mal-information, misinformation, implausible conspiracy theories and outright lies, particularly with regard to science, technology. public health issues and constitutional matters.
In such circumstances, it is impossible for one so guided to come to any reasonable or responsible decisions.
Glenn Andrews
Barriere, B.C.
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