That saying always puzzled me a little. I know what it means but it doesn't really seem to make sense. Anyhow, if you give it some thought, you realize how many things we do take for granted. I'm not judging whether it is a good or bad thing but I think it would be better if we did not assume that some things would always be there for us whether we showed an appreciation for them or not.
When we were younger, we took for granted that mom would feed us, wash our clothes do the dishes and make up our beds. Did we ever thank her or show our appreciation in any way? Probably not. Should we have? Most definitely.
We live in a country which gives us freedom, opportunity and protection. We take these things for granted, but should we? The constitution guarantees us this much on paper but it takes people who appreciate it to make sure it happens. It is not something we can take for granted. We, the people, have to make certain it happens and continues to happen. No one can sit back and be certain that there are not people or forces which could and would deprive us of these things. The method does not have to be violent but subtle, disguised actions can do the same.
Demagogues have learned, like the slippery salesman, that if they make promises, even if false, they can persuade people to allow them to steal their freedom. If we don't pay attention and recognize these tactics, they will succeed. The choice becomes to accept temporary favors and lose freedom or accept ANY sacrifice to remain free. What is your choice?
When we were younger, we took for granted that mom would feed us, wash our clothes do the dishes and make up our beds. Did we ever thank her or show our appreciation in any way? Probably not. Should we have? Most definitely.
We live in a country which gives us freedom, opportunity and protection. We take these things for granted, but should we? The constitution guarantees us this much on paper but it takes people who appreciate it to make sure it happens. It is not something we can take for granted. We, the people, have to make certain it happens and continues to happen. No one can sit back and be certain that there are not people or forces which could and would deprive us of these things. The method does not have to be violent but subtle, disguised actions can do the same.
Demagogues have learned, like the slippery salesman, that if they make promises, even if false, they can persuade people to allow them to steal their freedom. If we don't pay attention and recognize these tactics, they will succeed. The choice becomes to accept temporary favors and lose freedom or accept ANY sacrifice to remain free. What is your choice?
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