Most do not consider ideology and freedom to be at odds with each other. This is, however, precisely the case. When ideology becomes the tool by which differing ideas are instantly rejected, it has become a cage of the mind preventing pragmatic thought. The restriction of pragmatic thought can result in real world prisons for those with opposing views.
Do you truly believe in freedom?
Welcoming the idea that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, is essential to believing in freedom; so long as, they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose.
Real freedom can be tricky for the ideologically stricken. Take the individual that believes it is morally abhorrent for anyone to use recreational drugs. The ideologically stricken will, without thought, sentence the recreational drug user to prison. The same applies to the homosexual couple that decides to prosecute any individual or business unwilling to provide a service at their wedding. Both scenarios are ideologically driven. Both sides claim they believe in freedom. Do they?
I believe that most people in the world today would just like to live their lives the way they choose. The real problem arises when our baked ideology does not agree with the way someone else chooses to live their life. Since these ideologies are deep seeded with most individuals, politicians use them against the whole. They promise to outlaw guns, abortion, drugs, aggressive speech….etc. This proves hurtful to each side of the equation. As the government usurps more power it never relinquishes it. Each side is fooled into believing the other is the enemy. Each side becomes obsessed with oppressing the other through the force of law.
We may not agree with how individuals live their lives, but if we step back and allow each individual to make their own choices we will begin to break through the ideological cage entrapping pragmatic thought.
Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. My support of an individual’s right to make choices in life does not mean that I necessarily approve or disapprove of those choices. It is your right to disagree!!