Freedom vs. Security: A Critical Analysis of American Priorities

This essay delves into the enduring debate in the United States regarding the prioritization of freedom versus security. It argues that freedom is paramount, particularly in a liberal democracy like the United States, as it is fundamental to human expression and societal progress. The essay highlights that prioritizing individual liberties fosters contentment and encourages active participation in society, ultimately contributing to national peace. By granting freedoms, such as the right to bear arms and assemble, individuals feel empowered and are more likely to contribute positively to their communities. The author, adopting a leadership perspective, asserts that the dangers of sacrificing liberty outweigh security concerns, as freedom allows individuals to make informed choices and protect their rights, reinforcing the idea that Americans should cherish liberty to safeguard their fundamental rights. Desklib offers a platform to access this and similar solved assignments.

Running head: FREEDOM OR SECURITY 1
Freedom or Security
Student Name
Institutional Affiliation

FREEDOM OR SECURITY 2
Freedom or Security
The perplexing debate in the United States over what is more important between freedom
and security continues in the modern days. However, others believe that the freedom of the
citizens is paramount and needs more concentration over security. Indeed, the concept of
freedom is significant in a liberal democracy like the Americas (Brown, 2013). Therefore,
freedom is more fundamental for human beings and the Americans citizens require liberty to
facilitate their expression of life and contentious things in their society.
Freedom is the essential element of human life. Therefore, humanity must receive
maximum guarantee of freedom to express themselves actively and passively. Fischer (2018)
says that the most important thing for a free society like the United States is what matters most
for the people. Indeed, freedom entails all elements that come with people’s contentment. For
instance, the fact that the United States places more emphasizes in ensuring individual liberties
makes the country among the most desirable destination for people around the world (The
Economist, 2013). Therefore, it is better to allow personal freedom prevail because people will
feel more contentment to carry out their duties.
Liberty gives people more confidence to perform their duties. According to Brown
(2013), when individuals have more freedom, they feel part of the society, and they are less
likely to fall into traps that could make them stagger the peace of the nation. For instance, the
granting of firearms is a liberty issue that directly relates to enhancing individuals safety.
According to Kelly (2015), when people have the freedom, they can assemble and deliberate
matters affecting them without fear of intimidation by the state. Moreover, the liberty to express
oneself enables people to develop a spirit of association that is imperative in helping them

FREEDOM OR SECURITY 3
consolidate security issues among them. Thus, freedom is at the epitome of a free country that
guarantees the rights of its citizens.
The debate surrounding freedom and security quagmire in the American society raises
divided opinions. However, as a leader, I would choose to grant people freedom over security
because the danger posed by the absence of liberty for citizens is more than the security
problems in the country. Freedom allows people the will to do what they deem right and avoid
the wrongs things while security does not give people to opportunity to choose what they want.
Therefore, Americans should cherish more liberty for them to realize the protection of their
rights.

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References
Brown, H. (2013). America: Choosing Security Over Liberty Since 1798. [online] Foreign
Policy. Available at: https://foreignpolicy.com/2013/06/11/america-choosing-security-
over-liberty-since-1798/ [Accessed 9 Sep. 2018].
The Economist (2013). Liberty’s lost decade. [online] The Economist. Available at:
https://www.Economist.Com/Leaders/2013/08/03/Libertys-Lost-Decade [Accessed 9
Sep. 2018].
Kelly, J. J. (2015). Balancing National Security And Freedom: Reactions To Terrorism And Its
Effect On Citizens’civil Liberties, Civil Rights, And Privacy (Doctoral dissertation).
Fischer, A. (2018). Freedom or Security? (July/August 2003) - Library of Congress Information
Bulletin. [online] Loc.gov. Available at: https://www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0307-8/911.html
[Accessed 9 Sep. 2018].