I am writing out of deep concern for the harmful idea that personal freedom is the only American ideal.
Our Founding Fathers spoke of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The order of those has always been key: Life precedes liberty. A person’s desire to pursue what makes them happy does not allow them to risk the lives of others — which is why you cannot drive 100 mph past a school bus or build a nuclear bomb in your backyard.
Even freedoms in the Bill of Rights have limits. The freedom of religion does not allow a church to practice human sacrifice. The freedom of speech does not allow someone to yell “Fire!” in a crowded building or leak classified information that could endanger Americans. The Supreme Court has said that speech is not free if it creates a “clear and present danger.”
We are having a national debate about public health laws and personal freedoms. We know mask-wearing in a pandemic saves lives. The idea that it is unpatriotic to place any limits on personal freedom is wrong and dangerous.
You are not free to endanger others. And they are not free to endanger you. This basic civic principle is key to preserving “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Let’s not allow it to be eroded.
Katie Pickett
Morrisville, North Carolina