The Safety and Freedom Tradeoff in America

The First and Second Amendments

The American constitution lays out basic freedoms that all citizens of the U.S. are entitled to. Despite being ensured by the government that people indeed have these rights, American citizens often find such rights being compromised when their safety is in jeopardy.

1946: Signs of American Retaliation

If people always surrendered their freedoms, then America would not be the great country that it is today.

There are multiple examples that support Americans valuing freedom over their own safety. One example that demonstrates Americans’ desire for freedom is the…

Companies: Devious or Virtuous?

The cloud of fear that hung over Americans during the Cold War has carried over into current society and plays a role in the amount of safety citizen’s desire. According to Elaine May, a Regents Professor of American Studies and History at the University of Minnesota…

The Wake of School Security After Columbine

Contrary to the average man choosing to be free rather than safe, there are also events in American history where safety was valued over freedom.