liberty by Graham Labass

       Liberty 

When someone says liberty, what do you think of? Maybe it's the Black Rights movement or even the Statue Of Liberty. Some argue if both are even examples of liberty at all. So what is liberty?

                                     What is Liberty

In my opinion, liberty started in 1776 on July 4. On this date the United States was formed, giving never seen before rights and alliances between different colonies. In celebration of the US alliance with France, France  gave us the Statue of liberty. It was a symbol of liberty and freedom. But to those denied entry to the US, it was a symbol of failure and disappointment. All through this time the colored people  were still being treated badly, most of those denied entry were colored. Even to those who lived in the US and were granted with this freedom still were treated badly. This freedom the US gave still had laws and punishments. During this time all the way up to 1964 black people were not given the same fair treatment. Around the 1960s, the people fought back. The people  demanded liberty for the blacks. Then  finally in 1964, they were given what they asked for, in the form of the Civil Rights Act. This gave the same freedom to the colored as white people. But that still didn't change the public opinion. These are all examples of liberty, but still the question stands unanswered, what is it? Liberty isn't one thing. It is laws and parameters, but also agency and freedom. Its public opinion and government rule. It is being able to choose but with every choice a punishment.

With the Civil Rights Act, liberty was being free. Being able to choose and have a fresh start. The statue of liberty represents an alliance between France and the US. Liberty in this example was  law’s set  to keep the alliance in order. A friendship guided by liberty. So liberty isn't one thing, it is many things. Liberty is lawful freedom.