Freedom is a 'rough' concept that is really quite hard to officially define. It's a label, but there is no black and white definition of freedom. If your conservative or if your liberal, your definition of freedom is probably going to be quite different.

Conservatives would argue that freedom, ultimately comes down to freedom of choice (at least in the market place). They don't want any more snooping of big brother over their shoulders all the time. Then again, at least in my liberal viewpoint, most of them are hypocritical—how can you be free, only if you can trade, but a limited to traditionalistic views on society. I guess libertarians would take a similar viewpoint, but are more open to moderate social liberals.

Both conservatives and libertarian viewpoints have a fallacy when it comes to freedom—they don't ever view corporations and businesses through rules, regulation, red tape, pollution and other negative externalities, take away our freedoms.

Liberals do consider that factor a great amount of the time—and they often try to be the real "freedom bringers". Yes, this whole site is biased, so don't complain. ;) They realize that regulation, can help to ensure freedom, as does an activist government. Government that works for the people is what we need, not one that works for the privileged few.

Still, I'm not getting to the root of what freedom truely is. I think that is hard to do—there are so many aspects of freedom. Here are some of my ideas on what freedom is:

Free Speech. The bill of rights, along with the other freedom related amendments are the heart of our country. Freedom of speech, worship, press, assembly and petition are the first amendment they decided to add to the constitution—and should be the most protected right. The ability to criticize and suggest ways to improve society, is one of the most important rights. Our government has decent protections for whistle blowers and academic freedoms—although they are limited (they have to follow our underlying norms). Of course, as the late Hubert Humphrey once said, The right to be heard, does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously. That's important qualifier, that many people often forget.

Limits on Gun Control. I guess the second amendment doesn't help urbanites that much, but the idea of self defense of the individual from tyranny (the guiding idea of the second amendment) is very important. Understanding that guns in the hands of sane, safe, properly trained individuals for the use of protection, sport and other activities is very important.

Live and Let Live. It's less specific then the above principles, but this 60s hippie motto is still probably very important. I certainly don't agree neccessarly with the more radical factions of society (even if I consider myself a radical), but I say the government should leave them alone, to express their ideas (within reasonable guidelines set by the establishment). If these radical factions want to go out and do their thing—that's perfectly okay, as long as they leave me alone. They can have their opinions on me listening to Noam Chomsky or Bob Dylan, and they can do their thing.

To Escape. We all need to get away from the demands of society. Thanks to the government, we can get away to thousands of acres of local state forests/parks to get away, where we can be alone, or with others, without all the fears of everyday society.

Without Wondering At the Retribution. To be free, you have to leave without fear of retribution, like so many of us do in our times. If you speak your mind, go to this event, do these drugs, what will happento you? It's a fear that dominates our lives.

Freedom Not To Have to Depend. We live in a society, where we have to depend on others so much, that a right to self-determination seems almost non-existent. When you rely on others, it means you have to live up their rules and standards. If their quality is mucky, and rules are harsh, you have to live with it—the less you have to deal with this, the more free you are.

These are a few of my thoughts on freedom and being free. I'm sure their is far more I could add to this list.