In the land of the free, no one is chronically hungry.

The land of the free does not invade other countries without provocation.

The land of the free does not need a standing army in over two-thirds of the world's countries in order to defend itself.

The land of the free does not have over one percent of its population in prison.

In the land of the free, the earth and its life forms are responsibly respected so that people may continue to live, generation after generation.

In the land of the free, diverse lifestyles and harmless behaviors are appreciated or tolerated.

The land of the free is known by the freedom of its people to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for the redress of wrongs.

The land of the free reminds others, anywhere in the world, of justice and an honest search for the truth in all matters.

In the land of the free, the common person is free to live simply, and simply live.

In the land of the free, people are free from fear.

In the land of the free, people feel secure in their homes.

In the land of the free, people can walk anywhere at any time of day or night without fear.

In the land of the truly free, doors are not locked, and possessions are left lying about in the open.

In the land of the free, children are sacred.

In the land of the free, people worship God as they please (or not).

In the land of the free, the elderly are revered and listened to.

In the land of the free, everything is constantly being improved for everyone.

In the land of the free, people live in community as a fish swims in water.

In the land of the free, everyone has an intelligent opinion, as a result of a culture which rewards truth-seeking, honesty, common sense, and open-mindedness.

In the land of the free, dialog, open-mindedness, and honest inquiry are the norm.

In the land of the free, political decisions are mostly local.

In the land of the free, the people elect their leaders directly, and by "instant run-off" voting -- where people's second choice will be counted if their first choice fails -- in a balloting process that is transparent and rig-free.

In the land of the free, money is a means to and end, not an end in itself.

In the land of the free, micro capital loans are available to all.

In the land of the free, people freely share; philanthropy, goodwill, volunteerism, and service are the norm.

The land of the free does not tolerate corruption, secrecy, selfishness, arrogance, or aggression.

The land of the free functions as if without effort, as a harmonious, self-regulating system.

Upon arriving in the land of the free for the first time, all pretense and neuroses disappear; all worries wash away, and all restlessness comes to rest.

The land of the free is at hand, and is always at hand, would that people see it, and take up residence there.

Tom Blodget is a college instructor and writer and can be contacted at blodget@snowcrest.net

Tom Blodget

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------