Carol Pierce: What does freedom mean to you?

There was a time when the Four Freedoms were commonly spoken of as defining our democratic values. These freedoms are still held, but are being questioned as to whether everyone has shared and benefitted from them. 

• Freedom of speech

• Freedom of worship

• Freedom from want

• Freedom from fear

President Roosevelt on January 6, 1941, defined these as what the nation would be fighting a war to preserve, based on defeating the tyranny of Nazi Germany and Japan. They are still basic to who we are, but now are being relooked at as to whether they are equally applied to everyone in our democratic systems and institutions of today. We have much history and experience in the 80 years since FDR defined these freedoms, but they seem less acknowledged, or perhaps, sufficient as guiding lights today. 

Some now question as to whom they apply. The events of recent years have asked us to pay attention to the varied experiences of many as to whether they live with freedoms from want and fear, or ever have.

It is interesting to note that the themes of the 1939 World’s Fair, still in the midst of the Great Depression, were also stated in terms of freedoms.

• Freedom of the press

• Freedom of assembly

• Freedom of speech

• Freedom of worship

These more clearly focus on the government’s role of allowing freedom. FDR’s list when facing a world war, feels more personal. As we look back, what goes on in an historical time can change the emphasis on what gets said about democracy. 

In 2021, we look for words that define democracy more personally as it is lived, such as: a sense of inclusiveness; speech based on verifiable facts and avoiding harm; trust and support for our great institutions of government; a free press; and active faith communities based on serving us personally and for the greater good of communities. We feel all are qualities of democracy that need exploration, support, and recognition of the values that undergird them. 

So, we ask the community, “What does freedom mean to you?” Write a letter to the editor, as well as  sharing your stories with friends.

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Carol Pierce is a member of the Laconia Human Relations Committee.