Am I free?

[LaoOmologo]

My personal take on humanity:

Humanity is foolish. The entirety of humanity, when brought together as one, is just as likely to create something miraculously wonderful as it is to destroy all of civilization as we know it. A classic example is that of the Holocaust. Out of the millions upon millions of people who had to know that something horrible was happening, how many actually spoke out? Very few, and those that did were silenced immediately. Sadly, they were not silenced by the top 1% who knew exactly what was going on; no, they were reported by their friends and neighbors, sometimes even their families. One of the most idiotic yet often-encountered problem with humanity is the mob mentality, as described above.

Another example; the atomic bomb. There is not a single well-educated human being that does not realize the sheer destructive power of this weapon; many predict that these weapons will in fact cause the end of the human race. Yet every war-minded individual in the governments of every major global power (and beleive me, there are quite a few of those individuals) has their mind set on acquiring as many nuclear weapons as they possibly can. This seems to be incredibly redundant reasoning. Once again, humanity shows an incredible capacity for death and destruction with little more than the press of a big red button.

The examples of atrocities commited by humanity against humanity sprawl across a list several pages long. So one must pose the question: Should humans truly be free? Or would the freedom, the true, unshackled freedom, of humanity lead to nothing but chaos, death, and anarchy? If those that we elect as our leaders, or at least those that we allow to lead us (in the case of some dictators such as Hitler and Mussolini) commit such atrocities, can we ourselves actually be trusted?

I agree, BUT humanity still is a unique creature, apable to create. In the end we don't create things that is ok, like the Atomic bomb, as you mentioned, but we do create a lot of other things too.
I also agree with your view of "freedom". Are we really free? If we were free we could for example call someone a word they don't like, with NO consequences. For example if we say that Hitler were a good guy, or that we reject the Holocaust, we will be sent directly to jail. We are actually captured. They say we can say whatever we want, but if we call a black person for a (You know what word), are we taken as racist and almost expelled from the society.

[Skirata]

For example if we say that Hitler were a good guy, or that we reject the Holocaust, we will be sent directly to jail. We are actually captured.

I'd hope one isn't taken to prison over words.

[LaoOmologo]

I'd hope one is taking to prison over words.

What do you mean? Is this correct grammar? *I'm a lil' stupid*

[Skirata]

What do you mean? Is this correct grammar? *I'm a lil' stupid*

OH SHI-

I meant "isn't". I fixed it...

[LaoOmologo]

OH SHI-

I meant "isn't". I fixed it...

In Germany did two guys go to jail for 23 years for their meaning. I have heard of LOADS of other related causes, but this is the worst.

[trogdor1316]

Lao, no one is sent to jail simply for what they say, at least not in most countries. In America, there is some degree of freedom in that category; the first amendment of the constitution allows citizens to be as racist, bigoted, and disagreeable as they want to be, and there's not a damned thing the government or anyone else can do about it. This is a great first step towards true freedom, but then, with all of the obvious racism and hate crimes occuring in the world today, would it be a good idea to be any more free than we are now?

[LaoOmologo]

Lao, no one is sent to jail simply for what they say, at least not in most countries.

That is were you are wrong. People get sent to jail for their meanings, but obviously they don't get out in the media. That would get a massive impact, towards the police. There are a lot of these cases a year, but none of these ends in media.
I read the new paper, it was some days earlier, were they explained that all human beings except africans are 2% neanderthals. For twenty years ago, seven scientists discovered this. They were laughed out and got 3 years in jail. I am not saying any more.

[Skirata]

This is a great first step towards true freedom, but then, with all of the obvious racism and hate crimes occuring in the world today, would it be a good idea to be any more free than we are now?

I think the only way to get rid of any differences is to put humanity on the brink of destruction. Make man need man to survive. If total freedom was the only way to bring about that end then why not allow man his "freedom?"

[LaoOmologo]

I think the only way to get rid of any differences is to put humanity on the brink of destruction. Make man need man to survive. If total freedom was the only way to bring about that end then why not allow man his "freedom?"

To allow a man's "freedom" you have to allow the consequences too. A man with freedom, has the freedom to do whatever he want. He is free, and you can't do anything. He can rape, murder and steal, and we can't do anything about it. Punishing a free man, is like punishing a lion. In the end it's man who punish you. What I mean is, "Freedom" is a good thought, but of course it can't come without bad consequences.

[Humility]

The closest anybody could ever get to being free would be the strong in an anarchy. And even then there is the restrictions of cause and effect. It is liberty, not freedom that you should desire.

However freedom of speech is important and it is wrong for civilized government to impede on that liberty, if somebody says something offensive, it is the offended's task to beat the **** out whoever offended them. Or at least say a few choice words back if they feel so inclined, not the government's job. Any other way is just barbaric and primitive.