Liberty vs. Safety

Senator Hatch,

As just one of your constituents, I am writing to express to you (or, really, to your aides who will be the ones reading this) that I was glad to hear that you removed your support from the PIPA act.  The letter posted on your website indicated that you intend to be closely involved with changes to this bill or creation of similar bills.  As you do, I ask that you please make sure that any future legislation steers very clear of the de facto censorship powers proposed by PIPA, SOPA, and other similar legislation.  Though their proponents may argue that the purpose of those pieces is to counter piracy and other crimes, in reality, they give the government the power to control who companies can do business with and what can be published. 

The rights of freedom of speech, pursuit of happiness, and the ability to conduct lawful business without government interference are principles for which our founding fathers fought and sacrificed.  Please don't deny our children access to those hard-earned rights.

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

The Courage to Begin

During the 1800’s, thousands of pioneers crossed the American plains in hope of a better life.  Some sought religious freedom, others followed the promise of wealth, and still others longed for adventure in an untamed country.  Regardless of their motivation, none of these travelers really knew what they were getting into.  Reports of the west were few and unreliable, leaving the travelers with little information about their destinations.

Books and movies have been written about the dangers and hardships the pioneers faced and the strength they showed along the way.  But these men and women showed great courage and strength before they even left their hometowns.  That first step on the trail must have required great courage. They had a hope of where they wanted to end up, but no guarantee that they would arrive and little idea of what would happen along the way.  But still they packed their families and possessions into wagons or handcarts and set off.

Times have changed.  Information is now easily accessible about any topic; with the click of a button, we can learn about far-away destinations and technical concepts or get advice about how to do anything. No matter what journey (literal or figurative) we are contemplating, someone has inevitably shared their experience on a blog, a book, or a movie. 

With this plethora of information, it would seem that it shouldn’t require courage to start a new endeavor.  But regardless of how many other people have gone down a particular path, the trail is still new to our feet.  We feel that our circumstances are different, that there are endless unknowns.  And so, when faced with the decision to do something new, we fret and hesitate, unsure if the potential benefits are worth the risks.

So, whether a pioneer crossing literally uncharted territory, or a potential entrepreneur trying to gather courage to leave the safety of traditional employment, starting requires courage.