Freedom for All

"And I can't change

Even if I tried

Even if I wanted to"

I know it's a bit long for a music video but it's worth every second. Every time I hear this on the radio, I tear up. The video is far more powerful.

It's about more than just LGBT rights as well. I think that's part of why I like this song, even if it's very far from my usual musical interests. "No freedom til we're equal, damn right I support it"

We spend so much time fighting one another about little differences that we don't see that we're tearing our communities, our countries apart. Pick any issue that's religious and/or political. You'll find those willing to lie to control other people. Willing to lie to keep their insecurities at bay. Willing to lie to keep some people lesser than others simply to feel better about themselves.

TTWD? We face the same opposition as those fighting for gay rights. This is considered illegal to many eyes of the law. The same opposition women face to have the ability to make decisions regarding their own bodies. True freedom of religion, as well as keeping government and religions separate.

Governments can throw out the word "terrorist" and have that be a defense for trampling on the rights of its people. We're all too busy fighting over trivial differences to take a step back and look at what we're doing to other human beings.

I may not be a fan of guns. I'd be happy never to see another one in my life. I also support regulated and reasonable gun ownership. Because governments should fear their people, both in words and actions. I believe in equal rights, even to rights that I will never use and have some moral objections over.

It's not the job of the government to be moral police. Look inward first. The wars they wage in the name of freedom. They wouldn't know freedom if it bit them on the ass. Freedom is freedom for all, or no one is free.

"First they came for the Socialists,

and I did not speak out--

Because I was not Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists,

and I did not speak out--

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,

and I did not speak out--

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me--

there was no one left to speak for me."

~Martin Niemoller

Politicians wouldn't understand me. Neither would the majority of our judicial representatives. I would be used as an example for the "slippery slope" argument. 

I love women just as freely as I love men. I'm romantically involved with multiple partners. I'm one of those "wicked heathens" who would corrupt the morality of this country, by simply following a different religious path. I practice sadomasochism with my partners--a true sexual deviant.

They would say I'm everything that's wrong with this country. They would see me silenced. They would see me isolated and oppressed, especially by others who are facing their own oppression. Give a target to lash out on for their own frustrations and anger. The government is smart to keep the infighting going, and screwing over every last one of us by keeping us blind.

I'm sure I will get put on some list for writing this. After all, isn't "terrorist" one of their trigger words? But the great thing about the ideas I have, the life I live--I am one of many. Freedom and equality for all is nothing new. 

Equality will be what wins when all is said and done.