Letter to the Editor: The Meaning of Freedom

Dear Republican Friends,

Please help me understand your sign that says, “Fight for Freedom.” First and foremost, I am not in a fight with you – not a war, not a battle. In fact, I would welcome sitting down and having a conversation with you. These are some of the things I would like to understand. 

Freedom: What does that mean to you? Does it include the right of a woman to choose what happens to her body? Does it include the right to vote? Does it include the right to read what I choose? Does it include the right to treat all people, including immigrants, humanely? Does it include the right for teachers to teach our history? Does it include the right to love whom you choose? Does it include the right to gender-affirming care? Does it include the right to acknowledge climate change? Does it include the right to accept defeat gracefully?

I promise to listen. I just sincerely need to understand your view because it appears freedom means a different thing to you than it does to me.

Cindy Nelson

Ephraim, Wisconsin