The Illusion of Perpetual Freedom: A Critical Look at Presidential Promises

The Perils of Presuming Liberty

During his State of the Union address, President Trump declared that Americans "will always be free," a statement met with thunderous applause from his supporters. But is this blind faith in perpetual freedom warranted? History teaches us that assuming individual rights are eternally safe is a dangerous folly. The very fact that liberty is increasingly endangered globally should shatter any illusion of its inevitability.

Complacency, fueled by such pronouncements, lulls citizens into a false sense of security, making them vulnerable to political predators of all stripes. True freedom requires constant vigilance, not blind trust.

Trump's "Always Free" Paradox

Examining Trump's "always free" assertion reveals a multitude of contradictions. His campaign rhetoric painted the Biden administration as tyrannical, citing censorship and overregulation. Does his recent declaration then negate the perceived transgressions of the previous administration? Or does it imply a selective interpretation of freedom, applicable only under his own rule?

This isn't the first time Trump has made such claims. His 2019 State of the Union address echoed similar sentiments, proclaiming Americans are "born free, and we will stay free." Yet, this rings hollow in a nation where millions are arrested annually, often for nonviolent offenses, and SWAT teams conduct tens of thousands of raids, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Asset Forfeiture and the IRS: Freedom's Tollbooth?

Trump's "always free" rhetoric clashes sharply with the realities of asset forfeiture laws, which empower law enforcement to seize property based on mere suspicion. These laws, championed by Trump, often lead to more property being confiscated than stolen by burglars nationwide. His new Bitcoin initiatives, funded by asset forfeiture, further raise concerns about potential abuses.

Furthermore, the crushing burden of taxation effectively turns citizens into indentured servants to the government. With the average American laboring years just to cover taxes, exceeding spending on basic necessities, the promise of "always free" feels increasingly distant.

From COVID Lockdowns to Napoleonic Echoes

Trump's past actions also cast doubt on his commitment to freedom. His initial praise for China's harsh COVID tactics, followed by his endorsement of lockdowns and the assertion of "absolute power," paint a concerning picture. While he later criticized Biden's COVID policies, his own role in initiating those restrictions cannot be ignored.

More recently, Trump's invocation of a Napoleon Bonaparte quote – "He who saves his Country does not violate any Law" – has raised eyebrows. This, coupled with his administration's reliance on the "unitary executive theory," previously used to justify torture under the Bush administration, further fuels unease.

The Price of Vigilance

Blind faith in the perpetuity of freedom is a recipe for disaster. Trump, like many presidents before him, has both championed liberty and expanded executive power. Regardless of who occupies the Oval Office, unwavering vigilance remains the price of freedom. Complacency, no matter how eloquently disguised by political rhetoric, is a path to serfdom.