Day 3 Academics

It's only the third day of classes and I already found something interesting in my sociology book....

"There are two sides to the coin of freedom. On the one hand, there is enormous potential for prosperity and personal fulfillment; on the other are all the hazards of untrammeled opportunity and unfettered choice. Free markets can produce grinding poverty as well as spectacular wealth; unregulated industry can create dangerous levels of pollution as well as rapid rates of growth; and the unfettered drive for personal fulfillment can have disastrous effects on families and children. Rampant individualism does not bring with it sweet freedom; rather, it explodes in our faces and limits life's potential."

-Sylvia Ann Hewlett on how American Values of Freedom and Individualism are the root of some Social Problems.

Although she used "unfettered" twice in the same paragraph, it's very interesting.

Although I don't think our pursuit of freedom and individualism plays the most important part in creating social problems, there are some eyebrow raising little ideas in there.

I guess it also plays along with the idea that yes, we have freedom to say and write what we want (Thank You First Amendment), but we need to use these liberties wisely.

The morons who protest the war at Military Funerals or decide to go on religious crusades against gays in public telling everyone they are going to burn in hell are responsible for issues and upcoming limitations on freedom of speech. Let's be honest, there is a time and place for everything.

Justice Brennan said it best...

"It is poignant but fundamental that the flag protects those who hold it in contempt..."



ps, I can't find my SIGG water bottle..... I'm pissed.