The Spirit of Freedom

The spirit of freedom is a burning passion to live unrestrained. This book is a collection of thought provoking ideas and essays covering certain aspects of political and economic history and future expectations. The American Dream started with the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in 1620. The American way of life is the result of subsequent events that built the greatest economic engine in the history of the world. In 2012, there is substantial evidence to suggest America is sliding back. Hopefully, this book will help stem the tide. Individualism and collectivism are forever a concern in society. The purpose of this book is to contrast those subtle and not so subtle differences. In 1952, Leonard E. Read wrote: "Man is an individual being. Man is also a social being. His material success even his existence depends on the progress of others. Yet, man's fortunes and existence depend also on himself. In some respects he is tied to others, but in most respects he must be freed from others. Defining this relationship between man and his fellow-men, discovering precisely where man should act socially and where he should act individually, has been a challenge throughout the ages. And the solution, if it has been found, is not well known in our times. Today, all over the world in America as elsewhere the social side of man is being emphasized to the detriment of man's individual side. Nothing on this earth but understanding and the clear explanation of such understanding can erase this twentieth-century catastrophe." The foregoing description is as valid today as it was in 1952 and earlier. The common thread of events is consistent and has repeated itself throughout history. We hope to clarify that common thread and enable readers to recognize the differences that affect their lives and the lives of the generations of children that follow. ABOUT THE TITLE: Living FREE refers to Capitalism, Liberty (Freedom) or Individualism, which is the political philosophy or ideology stressing independence and self-reliance. Individualists choose to realize their goals and desires on their own terms without external interference from government or others. FREE Living refers to Socialism, Power (Force) or Collectivism, which stresses human interdependence based on a group or common interest collective. The importance of separate individuals is subservient to the interests of the group with an emphasis on community and society with priority given to group goals over individual goals. According to Kenneth A. Wells, Author of Guide to Good Leadership, "A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end he may disagree sharply, but because he disagrees, he wants to know exactly what it is he is disagreeing with." So it is with this book for its readers. Our world is built on differences of opinion. Once again, one should understand what one is disagreeing with. Can you imagine what life would be like if everyone had the same thoughts and opinions? Success and failure is the Miracle-Gro(R) food of life that makes society stronger. Competition makes us better people, fosters better businesses and ultimately, enhances the lives of our families. If future generations understand the importance of individual liberty and free enterprise, they too can better enrich themselves and their families. The unique opportunity and rewards of free enterprise present the poor with an opportunity to join the wealthy. Few countries in the world offer such rewards for hard work. This book simplifies some of the issues, but is deep enough to challenge conservatives and liberals alike. Finally, the message and story line of this book is: Capitalism always wins and socialism always fails. That is the natural way of things and how life is meant to be. Don't fight the Free Enterprise Market Economy and regulate it to achieve a level playing field if you must, but for the economic good of society ... embrac