To “live in a free country” has changed for a generation, and perhaps, for generations to come. The freedom to travel, to attend a sporting event, to shop at the local mall, or even to take our children to school will probably never be the same.

Who among us will ever board an airplane again without gazing suspiciously at another passenger? Will we feel better with armed guards at the gate and “sky marshals” sitting undercover on the flight? And could even these measures safeguard our journey?

As American’s contemplate how we will retaliate in war, we must also ponder our freedoms and what it means to live in this country. Who are we and what do we really stand for?

Undoubtedly, using the World Trade Center as a target, those who conceived of this horrible attack believed that it is our economy, our commerce, and our markets that symbolize the United States of America.

They are wrong. America is not just about a vibrant economy and a strong system of commerce. We are a country based on freedom, faith, and family.

Sometimes the wisdom and insight we seek in trying to understand larger world events can be found in the most unlikely of places. With that, I am reminded of the classic children’s Christmas story by Dr. Seuss; “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. After stealing all the gifts, toys, and decorations from the unsuspecting people of Who-ville, the Grinch was shocked to learn that the people of the town still celebrated the new day with song and merriment. At that crucial point in the story, the evil Grinch ponders the meaning of Christmas:

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”

In much the same way, our strength as a country doesn’t come from our economy, nor does it come from our dominance of world markets as symbolized by the World trade Center. Our strength comes from who we are as individuals, from our belief in individual freedom, our tolerance of people who are different from ourselves, and from our belief in a just and free society. As we move forward from this unimaginable tragedy, let us remember that while our economic position in the world makes us vulnerable to attack, it is our freedom that makes us invincible.

Brian Reddick is a Little Rock attorney with the law firm Wilkes & McHugh, P.A. The firm represents nursing home residents in Arkansas as well as ten other states throughout the country. He can be reached at 1-800-255-5070.

 

 

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