Did you enjoy Memorial Weekend? For many years, I spent that holiday going water skiing or to the beach. When at home, we’d BBQ or if nothing was happening, I’d work in my yard with little thought about the price of freedom.

This year was different. At first I thought my tears might be because of my dad, an MIA  from the Vietnam war. A dear woman from Texas had sent my family one of his bracelets just as the weekend started. However by Monday afternoon, I realized my sadness involved something far more distressing–the pervasive disregard in America about freedom’s cost.

Many men and women have died to protect America (and other countries) from cruel dictatorships and authoritarian government. Yet ongoing voter support of inept leaders further erodes the well-being of our nation.

Embracing Government Tyranny

Some, on both sides of the political aisle, think government can solve America’s problems. Instead, in my opinion (and those of many others), legislative overreach often exacerbates them. Consider:

• California wildfires. According to two opinion pieces in Sunday May 30th’s Daily Bulletin–“Slash red tape to fight wildfires” by  Kelly Seyarto (a former firefighter, p. H3)) and “Prescribed burns are critical to ensuring California forest health” by Jane Braxton Little (p. H1)–federal and state regulations prevent the measures necessary to reduce the undergrowth that provides fuel to out-of-control devastating infernos.

Little describes how in 2020 “wildfires scorched more than 4 million acres and killed 33 people yet federal and state agencies treated an [sic] only 80,000 acres with prescribed burns — 16 percent of what scientists believe California forestlands need to maintain biodiversity and resilence (p. H1).” No regard for the science there or the catastrophic loss of life and property.

• According to an opinion piece that same day by Laurie Davies, “California should give us our money back,” our state budget is also burning out of control. Legislators like Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles propose higher taxes despite the state’s $75 billion surplus for the fiscal year 2021-22. Davies goes on to say that “California’s sales tax rate of 7.25% is the country’s highest” however cities and counties push that even higher (p. H1)

Regardless a recent article by Jeremy B. White for Politico predicted that California Governor Newsom will not be recalled. He blames Covid and far-right Trump supporters for voter angst. That’s not my problem. I want him recalled because of his complete disregard for small business and big business, too. Due to excessive taxes and regulations, companies are leaving California in record numbers. And, that costs thousands of jobs.

Now, the U.S. Congress is considering the PRO act. This will enact federal regulations similar to the job-killing legislation of AB5. Such government interference stifles the freedom of many individuals in California, who work for themselves and want to keep it that way. All this government overreach is not why so many men and women died fighting for our country.

Biased Media Indoctrinates the Public

Never did I ever think I’d hear a once-beloved journalist like Katie Couric condemn millions of people with her ill-spoken condemnation of Trump supporters. Because someone voices support for certain policies does not make them a candidate for re-education camps as Couric advised. Many, who supported Trump, do not like him or his tactics. The only other choice was to vote for a platform that supports the killing of unborn babies. Re-education camps would put America in league with Communist China and Katie Couric must know that.

Even an old episode of Madam Secretary denounces the kind of patriotism we once valued in America–a patriotism that has held this country together for more than 200 years. American freedom from government restraints is so desirable to many that they risk their lives to cross our borders illegally. Once most people in this country were proud to be Americans. But media and the revisionist history have indoctrinated people into thinking our country needs a socialist overhaul. As a result, they’ve ignored the true cost of freedom. And, put us in danger of becoming like the countries people are trying to escape.

Ignorance of Christian Values

Imperfect as it may be, America has contributed an incredible amount that is right and good in this world.  The truth is nonprofits like Convoy of Hope,  Empowering Lives International, and The Rafiki Foundation were birthed in the freedom of biblical values. The men and women involved forego their own pleasure to work within existing systems around the world. By feeding the poor, educating orphans, and empowering leaders in sustainable ways, these efforts bring about higher standards of living. 

It takes real arrogance and an incredible short-sightedness to believe that America should bring all illegal immigrants into this country to solve their problems when we can’t solve our own. California’s homeless problem is known around the world. Lack of jobs and housing in short supply forces an increasing number of people to live on the streets. American children are abused and occasionally die because our foster care system can’t adequately manage their care. And, delays in our overburdened healthcare system have become frightening.

True Freedom

Still, reflections on the price of freedom and the state of America today don’t leave us without hope. Regardless of circumstances, Jesus paid the ultimate price for freedom by His death on the cross. His sacrifice on our behalf and His resurrection power sets us free from captivitiy to lies and self-deception. He gave us intelligence to think for ourselves so if media tries to convince us that nationalism is wrong and a biological male can be a woman, we don’t have to believe it. We can continue to search for real solutions to genuine problems with hearts of compassion for those who need help.

The cost of genuine freedom is sacrifice. Even if far too many dismiss the deaths of men and women who died to protect American liberty, those who show disdain for Christ’s sacrifice do so at their own peril. All that made me sad this Memorial Day. And now that the holiday is now over, I suppose that grief may remain well into the future.