The anchor in our world today is freedom, holding us steady in times of change, a symbol of hope to all the world.  – George H.W. Bush

The very fiber of American Society is spun in freedom.  From the self-evident truths penned by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence to the more perfect union protected in the U.S. Constitution, our country is predicated on liberty and freedom.  Our constitutional democracy is aspirational for many in the world today.

Freedom is anchored in each individual’s ability to speak, write, and share their thoughts and ideas. Freedom demands an open exchange of ideas without fear or punishment.  Part of celebrating freedom is engagement with opposing viewpoints and diverse thoughts.

President George H.W. Bush modeled the free exchange of ideas with civility and dignity.  The appreciation of debate and discussion is fundamental in civility.  To truly embrace liberty and freedom we must also embrace the discomfort of real engagement and discussion.  My hope is that today’s leaders stop for a moment, that they press pause, and reflect on the demands of real freedom and liberty.  It demands a great deal from each of us.