Is America Really Free?

Freedom is defined as the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement. It is the power to determine action without restraint and the exemption from external control, interference, and regulation. Americans, these days, commonly regard their society as the freest and the best in the world. Their understanding of freedom has been shaped and based upon the founding fathers’ belief that all people are equal and that the role of the government is to protect each person’s basic “inalienable” rights. The United States Constitution’s Bill of Rights assures individual rights including freedom of speech, press, and religion. America has changed dramatically from the country our founding fathers discovered. Some could even argue that we’re not really free at all anymore. Although in some ways people can argue that our country is still free, there is much evidence to prove this claim to be false. If America is so free, than why is it that we the people cannot make decisions for ourselves? Why is it that there are certain laws which restrain us from partaking in certain activities that really aren’t even harmful to us? Regulations and laws that prevent us from doing certain things are okay if there is a good reason behind it. The laws should be in place to protect the people, not restrict them from things non-harmful. Let’s take marijuana, for instance. Studies show that marijuana is much safer than typical tobacco cigarettes and many alcoholic beverages, if not all. Not only is marijuana safer, but it has been proven to provide medical benefits. Doctors have testified that marijuana is sometimes the only substance available to reduce pain in terminally ill patients. Shouldn’t that be enough evidence to prove its medical benefits? Yet and still Americans are unable to partake in the usage of this substance. Not only does marijuana reduce pain, but it also can be used to relax nerves as well as help people who suffer from insomnia. More people die every year