Liberty is defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary as "1 : the quality or state of being free: a : the power to do as one pleases. b : freedom from physical restraint. c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic (see despot sense 1) control." But what does it mean to you personally? To me, this definition is accurate but bland. Humans for the most part are born free; we are allowed to make choices that determine our course in life and what makes us individually happy. Within a certain set of rules, depending on culture and location. we are allowed to do as we please. And certainly there is no one that I can think that is an absolute ruler forming a state of despotism. All of these facts are true. So why do feel so trapped at times? It is no secret that our liberties are threatened every day by those who would feign protect us from some evil, illusionary or otherwise. But we ourselves are forfeiting our daily liberties for simple comforts because we feel, at the time, that it is justifiable. From my own life, as a United States Marine, I have sacrificed much of my own personal liberties for job security and "guaranteed" benefits later on. I must ask permission or be told what to do and at what time from someone else for the most basic of needs or wants. Most wouldn't have a problem with such a structured life and I wouldn't either if I was allowed to choose to not follow it! If I step out of line, my pay is reduced; my rank is surrendered; I, as a married Marine, would be forced to stay at the barracks away from my wife; and in the worst case, spend time in the brig. Am I, a United States Marine, one of the foremost elite groups defending liberty, free? Let's go to an average American. Do you have a mortgage? A car loan? Student loans? If you are totally dependent on a single job, are you free to make your own choices? Modern liberty, bought with dept and paid off with miserable sacrifice, doesn't look so free. Our choices today have never been so expansive and yet never been paid for so heavily. So how can we achieve a true liberty in this life? I suppose that depends on each of us and what we desire. Sacrifice will always be necessary for freedom. But, take care that the sacrifice buys the freedom you want and not the freedom that is advertised.