“It is true that Liberty is precious, so precious that it must be carefully rationed” – Lenin

Its ten minutes past nine.

While getting ready to go to work this morning, the questions on Freedom or Security made me pause. What if I am asked, would you give up “little freedom” for additional security…? All the time I was in the bathroom I kept thinking what my answer would be – “Yes” or “No”.

This has reminded me of my graduation days, the associated debates that are wide ranging, extending from the basic question of their relationship – Freedom and Security to concrete interactions between militants, insurgent groups and civil actors.  I guess the shower is a place to think because I can be in my own inner-self to let the water wash outer-self off.

The first thing I thought was a realization of the reality that “Freedom and Security” has now become a buzzword in the society. Majority of the people in the society believe (even happy) it is worth giving up some individual rights in exchange for a certain sense of security. But, is there a direct trade off between freedom and Security?  Here, I would relate the view of Benjamin Franklin on the issue, “People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both”. Secondly, Can I put them on a balance scale and measure one against the other? I said to myself, my answer was a very emphatic “NO”.

So, I decided to wipe myself dry, I took a towel.

I again asked myself where and when people had the least amount of freedom. I immediately thought of ’97 outbreak of Civil War between the Kuki and Zomi and post-conflict legitimization of power by the insurgent groups. Both the players repressed almost all personal freedom. But did that in turn allow their own acclaimed people to live in complete security? My eyes were filled with tears recollecting the curb of freedom on the night of August 28th.

So, the very players that was supposed to guarantee security to the society was actually the greatest threat to that security. Logically, giving up freedom in no way provides more security. They are not on the same scale so they can be traded like sugar or rice. I then decided to flip the logic coin: “does freedom guarantee security?” The answer is, again, a very emphatic “NO”.

While combing my hair, I came to the great realization that each one of us and the society at large are laying low allowing FEAR to make us give up our freedom piece by piece for the illusion of security. The result was nothing but the society as a whole is endangered. I also admit that we are in an imperfect world, there is no such thing as a “perfect security” – but did those fanatics actually endanger our security?

Capitalizing on the shock, anger, pain, and FEAR generated by these awesomely terrible acts, I would again invite Lenin’s opinion about freedom to avoid past mistakes;

“It is true that Liberty is precious, so precious that it must be carefully rationed”

Hence, I put forth my point to invite you all. We must forever be vigilant in preserving our liberties from these players wanting to control us. Today, our fight for freedom is more important than ever. Nobody should have the power to limit our freedom in the name of security.

In Loving Memory of David K. Ngaihte, who was taken AWAY from US
on August 29,2012.

 
- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 24012013