Let Freedom Ring

President Bushs inaugural address has been labeled the “Freedom Speech”certainly an appropriate title. The central thrust of his presentation was that our own freedom is more secure when others live in an environment of liberty. Achieving such a goal is laudable, even though it may involve decades of patience and, at times, painful effort.

I believe that his is a goal that is very consistent with our history and ideals as a nation. Because despots do not surrender power easily or willingly, the spread of freedom through democratic processes will require unflagging will and effort. Skeptics allege that it cannot be done. However, it is worth noting that in 1776 there was only one democracy in the world; today there are 117 covering more than half the worlds population. Many of these new democracies have come into being because of our example and considerable sacrifice in lives and resources.

However, it is important to keep in mind that freedom itself is a complicated business. Tolstoy, in his writings, pointed out that freedom, or liberty, has many and varied components, and each variation has its own set of questions and values. Each element evokes subject matter and sciences in which freedom is perceived in a different context. History, ethics, social responsibility, jurisprudence and economics all impinge upon the idea of freedom, according to Tolstoy.

It seems to me that what Tolstoy was saying is that one could live where freedom abounds, yet still be enslaved by one of the components.

Perhaps the field of economics provides a useful example. A person may exist in an environment where free speech, the right to vote and to assemble, and share the benefits of a free press are guaranteed and yet not be free from economic burdens or distress.

And this is where I believe we can enter the picture and play an important part. For years the motto of the National Association of Life Underwriters (now the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) was “providers of financial independence.” Our most important mission, as the life and health insurance business, is the prevention of poverty. Often poverty is the result following the death or illness of a family member, particularly the breadwinner. Failure to save systematically often has produced poverty, or at least meager circumstance, in retirement. Economic want dilutes the benefits of freedom.

My wife Gladys often quotes an old Danish proverb, which when translated, says, “When a person is well he has many wishes, but when he is ill, he has but one wish.” Paraphrasing that proverb: “When one is well fed he has many wishes, but when one is hungry he has but one wish.” Hunger is the primary byproduct of poverty and a challenge to freedom.