Most do not consider ideology and freedom to be at odds with each other. This is, however, precisely the case. When ideology becomes the tool by which differing ideas are instantly rejected, it has become a cage of the mind preventing pragmatic thought. The restriction of pragmatic thought can result in real world prisons for those with opposing views.
Do you truly believe in freedom?
Welcoming the idea that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, is essential to believing in freedom; so long as, they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose.
Real freedom can be tricky for the ideologically stricken. Take the individual that believes it is morally abhorrent for anyone to use recreational drugs. The ideologically stricken will, without thought, sentence the recreational drug user to prison. The same applies to the homosexual couple that decides to prosecute any individual or business unwilling to provide a service at their wedding. Both scenarios are ideologically driven. Both sides claim they believe in freedom. Do they?
I believe that most people in the world today would just like to live their lives the way they choose. The real problem arises when our baked ideology does not agree with the way someone else chooses to live their life. Since these ideologies are deep seeded with most individuals, politicians use them against the whole. They promise to outlaw guns, abortion, drugs, aggressive speech….etc. This proves hurtful to each side of the equation. As the government usurps more power it never relinquishes it. Each side is fooled into believing the other is the enemy. Each side becomes obsessed with oppressing the other through the force of law.
We may not agree with how individuals live their lives, but if we step back and allow each individual to make their own choices we will begin to break through the ideological cage entrapping pragmatic thought.
Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. My support of an individual’s right to make choices in life does not mean that I necessarily approve or disapprove of those choices. It is your right to disagree!!
Hi. I am a volunteer bot for @resteembot that upvoted you.
Your post was chosen at random, as part of the advertisment campaign for @resteembot.
@resteembot is meant to help minnows get noticed by re-steeming their posts
To use the bot, one must follow it for at least 3 hours, and then make a transaction where the memo is the url of the post.
If you want to learn more - read the introduction post of @resteembot.
If you want help spread the word - read the advertisment program post.
Steem ON!
Live and let live
I think you are interpreting the word "Ideology" a lot differently than I do. I am an Ideologue, but having enpowerment of individuals and small government is exactly what I want.
Sure many current ideological parties and movements are guided by some weird puppet masters, but this has never been the case for all ideologies.
Thanks for the feedback, it's my first post on steemit. I do think even an "ideologue" that supports individual freedom and small government can loose sight of that goal.
As long as pragmatic thought and critical thinking is used to evaluate and reevaluate your positions and you don't subscribe to the ideal of "punishing" others for disagreeing; you are paying the price of liberty, which is eternal vigilance.
Oh, I did not notice this is your "virgin post" ;). Welcome to the platform! A very decent first post, mate. If you got any question about steem, feel free to ask by replying to me.
Sure critical thinking is something that we libertarians advocate ourselves, still libertarianism is an ideology and some people sadly treat it as a doctrine instead of a guidance.
An Ideology is to me more of a summary of my political beliefs, but I know that many people just use ideology as people used religion before, they declare their founding fathers holy and their core positions untouchable.
Many people on Steem refer to themselves as anarcho capitalists btw.
Congratulations @mgunnels! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPCongratulations @mgunnels! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPCongratulations @mgunnels! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPCongratulations @mgunnels! You received a personal award!
You can view your badges on your Steem Board and compare to others on the Steem Ranking
Vote for @Steemitboard as a witness to get one more award and increased upvotes!