July 8 – Don't Let Freedom Become a Memory

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke

We stand at a precipice. The freedoms we cherish, the freedoms that for many are a birthright, are under siege. History, as Chris and Ted Stewart remind us in Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World, tells a cautionary tale. Freedom is not a guarantee. It is a fragile flame, easily extinguished by apathy or tyranny.

For generations, the United States has been a beacon of liberty, a testament to the "unimaginable blessings of freedom" Chris and Ted Stewart talk about. But democracies around the world are backsliding. Leaders who lie, who stoke fear and division, are finding fertile ground. We see it in the erosion of human rights, the suppression of dissent, the rise of authoritarian strongmen.

This isn't some distant echo. It's happening in our own backyards. We see it in attacks on voting rights, on the freedom of the press, on the peaceful transfer of power – the hallmarks of a free society.

“Those who deny freedom to others do not deserve it for themselves.” Abraham Lincoln

Sebastian Junger, in his book Freedom, argues that "the outcome of any human conflict cannot be predicted with certainty." But one thing is certain: silence is surrender. John O'Leary, in his inspiring book, In Awe, puts it starkly: "You have the freedom to sit back, stay silent...Or stand up, speak out."

This is our call to action. We can't afford to be bystanders. History teaches us that "freedom and democracy are not universal and have not been of a long duration," as Stewart warns. We can't take them for granted.

This fight for freedom isn't about blind patriotism or partisan politics. It's about holding our leaders accountable, demanding decency and truth. It's about protecting the institutions that safeguard our rights: a free press, an independent judiciary, fair elections.

It's about engaging in our communities, having civil conversations even with those we disagree with. It's about registering to vote, showing up at town halls, and holding our elected officials accountable to their promises.

It's about educating ourselves and future generations about the value of freedom, the price that was paid for it, and the constant vigilance required to preserve it.

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” Benjamin Franklin

The fight for freedom isn't an easy one. There will be setbacks. But as Junger reminds us, "democratic power-sharing is a potent form of freedom." If we all participate, raise our voices, and defend our values, then together we can ensure that freedom isn't a memory, but a vibrant promise for generations to come.

Activity –

The "Guerilla Art Project": Create a series of small, thought-provoking art pieces (murals, stencils, posters) that champion freedom and democracy. Place them in public spaces with messages that spark conversation and inspire action.

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.