This will surely be another hugely unpopular post, but one that’s been on my mind for a while. Despite the popular slogan, “freedom isn’t free,” freedom is free, at least for most of you. Let’s discuss.
Disclaimer: I hope you’ll forgive an old man his occasional rant.
Freedom Isn’t Free?
The seed of this idea was planted years ago. I was discussing a Joe Rogan podcast with a friend. In the show, Joe had posited the idea of some sort of mandatory civil service upon high school graduation. The basic gist is that everyone has to serve in some capacity for two or three years. It doesn’t have to be the military; it could be on a road crew building highways, in a hospital as a nurse, as a fireman or EMT, a teacher, or a cop. Or, obviously, in the military. Frankly I love the idea.
Practically, this would also staff short-handed – but critical – occupations but the other reasons are more important. Rogan believes this would create a common bond among all Americans. Any American could ask any other, “where did you do your time?” This experience would also force Americans out of their political silos. It would also give every American some buy-in, some ownership, some personal investment in the country they live in and love.
I mentioned this to one of my friends who had also heard the show. I still remember his response to this day: “I like the idea, though don’t like interfering with anyone’s freedom.”
For years I’ve pondered this and wondered, “why isn’t anyone responsible for earning their freedom? Why is it handed out, why is it given away, completely free of charge? Why is paying for it completely optional and voluntary?” These questions have hounded me since that conversation.
No, Freedom IS Free
I was reminded of this idea on Sunday, November 10, 2024 (which just happens to be the Marine Corps’ 249th birthday), as I stood in line at Dunkin Donuts. I was on shift, grabbing a cup of coffee (hot, black coffee, in case you were wondering). In front of me was a gentleman wearing a shirt bearing the image of a skull. The skull was wearing a Vietnam-era steel pot. Tucked in the helmet band was an ace of spades and a few rounds of 5.56. Above the image were the words, “FREEDOM ISN’T FREE.”
As he turned after paying for his order I asked, “Hey man, were you in the military?” I was intending to thank him for his service after he answered in the affirmative.
“Uh, no…”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I just assumed from the shirt…” With a sheepish look he turned and walked to the table where his family was sitting.
For this guy, freedom is free. It was given. Unearned. He hadn’t worked for it, nor had he sacrificed for it. Sure, he probably works hard, pays taxes, and takes care of his family. But that’s not service, that’s just living. There’s no abandonment of nearly-guaranteed comfort, no step into the abyss of the unknown, no making oneself accountable to the public. And no placing his life in the hands of fickle politicians.
In fact, the difference is enormous, and only about 6% of America’s population is a veteran.
The Military is NOT the Only Form of Service
The military is a special form of service. Enlistees, in the words of my old friend Rich Brown, “write Uncle Sam a blank check.” As a young man I didn’t appreciate that at all, and still don’t really in my own case. But looking at the young men and women joining now, I appreciate their sacrifice deeply. Time is precious, and they are exchanging some of it for something greater. But the military certainly isn’t the only form of service.
Cops, firemen, medics, and teachers are all serving, every day. They work for low pay, in dangerous jobs, that are chronically understaffed. The are sometimes persecuted by the very politicians who employ them, Many of the cops, firemen, and medics in my area work multiple jobs – sometimes multiple full-time jobs. Some literally have to in order to afford insurance for their wife and kids. If not working multiple jobs, nearly all work an impressive tally of overtime hours. All of this while serving a public who at best doesn’t care much and at worst is actively working against them. All of these men and women lose sleep, put incredibly strain on their bodies, and most see therapists for PTS, depression, alcohol abuse, and an array of other problems direclty related to their line of employment.
I think the biggest difference, however, the very definition of service, is putting yourself in the public sector where all the rights you take for granted no longer apply. Right to speak your mind on Facebook? Not so fast, pal. Right to say, “nope, I’m not going to do that!” Negative! It’s called “duty to act,” and it’s legally binding. Right to wear what you want? Refuse having your stuff searched? The right to use medicinal marijuana because it’s legal in your state? No, no, and hell no, respectively.
Freedom’s Cost
This is a tricky topic to write about. If a non-veteran writes about it…well, why doesn’t he put his money where his mouth is and join up? If a veteran writes about it, he’s pitting vets against non-vets, and may even be seen as patting himself on the back. That’s not my intent at all here (as obviously I’m a vet). It’s also worth pointing out that I’m certainly not looking for any special recognition for myself; my service was something I wanted to do for personal reasons, and it was nothing spectacular in any case.
So what is my point? Precious few Americans have paid for the most valued of privileges this nation provides: that of freedom itself. In many ways I’m glad I could “pay” for the freedom of my parents, my siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Unfortunately, that burden is borne by an increasingly small number of men and women. And though my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles are free, few have any idea of its cost.
The solution? Serve! Put on a uniform. Join the National Guard. Go to a night police academy and be a reserve cop. Volunteer at a local fire department. Sling chow at a soup kitchen. Drive for Meals on Wheels. Serve your community!
People often say, about my job as a paramedic, “I couldn’t do that.” What they really mean is, “I wouldn’t do that,” because I’m quite sure, if their kids were going hungry and a job as a public servant presented itself, they’d work it with skill and aplomb. And that’s what makes it service – doing it in spite of not necessarily wanting to.
But good news – there is also an alternative.
Purchasing Freedom Directly
If you don’t want to do these jobs, you can actually make them financially viable with your dollars. I have some hard news for you “Back The Blue” types: you defunded your police (and fire, and EMS, and teachers) a long time ago. Look at what a patrol officer, a fireman, or a paramedic makes in your city or county and tell me differently.
If you’re unwilling to get out there and put a uniform on, be willing to pay someone else who will, and pay for your freedom directly. Make it so these guys and ladies don’t have to work one job to pay for health insurance for their kids, and another to pay rent and buy groceries. Make it so Chic-Fil-A doesn’t start at more than your local police department (this is absolutely the case where I life). Attract the talent you want, if you aren’t willing to be that talent yourself, or encourage your kids to be.
Because unless you’re paying for it in one way or another, freedom is free, regardless of what your Grunt Style shirt says. Unless you get out there and earn your share. Give something back to this country and your community that has given you the ultimate luxury: freedom.
To those of you who have served your country or community in any way, Happy Veteran’s Day.
