by Roger Mitchell, Stevensville
The recent observation by Tony Hudson (Bitterroot Star, 10/7/26) and Bob Spitzer’s response (10/29/26) were interesting reading. Rational, eloquent, thought-provoking. Both calmly non-partisan, which is surprising considering that they were written just before a very contentious election. My compliments to the authors.
This is, in my opinion, a ‘chicken vs. egg’ argument. Which comes first—responsibility or freedom? Can these two even be separated? Can freedom be achieved without responsibility? Or is freedom a result of responsibility?
Every person is a unique individual. Every society which has ever existed, with all its attendant organizations, has been made up of individuals. Every grouping, from a marriage of two people to a large nation-state, consists of individuals, each bringing their own mindsets and personalities into the mix. Every collective reflects its individual members—for good or evil.
It follows, then, that the institutions in society (governments, schools, churches, businesses, etc.), take their cue from the people who form the base layer of society (individuals) and act accordingly. If the authority at the top is corrupt, it is because there is corruption at the bottom. If the foundation is bad, it cannot be assumed that the leadership will be good because the leaders themselves are individuals who represent the group. It is hypocritical to demand that our leaders behave themselves when we refuse to do that ourselves. It is naïve and foolish to expect that any collective, regardless of size and complexity, will reform itself unless its individual members do so first.
Let’s bring this home. Political and social freedom rise from political and social responsibility, which begins with individuals. If individuals refuse to be personally responsible, but defer to political or social “leaders”, then they will find that the freedom they desire is not forthcoming. No one is responsible for you…except you, and no one will give you the freedom you want if you do not do what you should. Seeking freedom without responsibility is an exercise in frustration, yet many attempt to do this continually, never more conspicuously than the biennial circus known as the election cycle in which people try to get what they want at the expense of others. “Thou shalt not steal, except by majority vote” is a succinct description of the fraudulent practice of politics.
Instead of looking to others to correct our problems, we need to face our own imperfections, admit where we’re wrong, and change our course—the way we think and the way we act. This is called repentance and it is the only thing which will make us free.
“You shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.” – Jesus Christ, John 8:32
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