Liberty is a concept in political philosophy that identifies the condition in which human beings are able to govern themselves, to behave according to their own free will, and take responsibility for their actions.
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of light and freedom to all who see it and dream of a new life in America. Built in France and shipped to New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty officially opened for visitors in 1886. Since then, it has been a beacon for immigrants the world over and a destination for tourists from all over the U.S
There are different conceptions of liberty, which articulate the relationship of individuals to society in different ways, including some which relate to life under a "social contract" or to existence in a "state of nature", and some which see the active exercise of freedom and rights as essential to liberty.
I have just come back from a trip to New York and had the opportunity to actually see the Statue of Liberty for the first time in my life.
It evoked a feeling a awe, wonder and regret. It's mere stature in the entry way of the Port of New York, the symbolism in everything from Lady Liberty's crown to her sandals and her forward walking motion were the source of awe and wonder.
Unfortunately, there was also regret brought about by the demise of societal values where human beings are only viewed as dollar signs by the corporations, where the medical and pharmaceutical industries only view illnesses only by how much revenue they generate, where human lives are valueless while their illnesses make these pharmaceutical industries trillions in profits, and where the true meaning of liberty of taking responsibility for actions is completely ignored by those in power, be they doctors, politicians, gas companies or (one more time) the greedy pharmaceutical corporations.
As Lady Liberty continues to stand in the gateway to New York city, she may one day inspire the true characteristics of Liberty in human beings.
Will that day really ever come?.
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