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So much for American Independence

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To the editor:
Sadly, our elected federal government has taken steps this week, which will likely alter our American society for a long, long time. 
Words are important. I note the long cherished last stanza of our Star-Spangled Banner; “…the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave…”
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “freedom” as: the quality or state of being free – INDEPENDENCE. 
“Independent” is defined as: not requiring or relying on something else or somebody else, also; marked by impatience with or annoyance at restriction.
“Dependence” is defined as: relying on another for support. 
As a people, we are now dependent upon our federal government for our very health. This is the exact opposite of freedom!
The same dictionary says that “Intrepid” is a synonym for “Brave.”
“Intrepid” is: characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude and endurance.
In the future as we all stand in line, fearfully and impatiently awaiting a bureaucrat’s decision about what health care the government is or is not willing to provide, we may well remember this week as a pivotal time in history, when we collectively decided to be neither Free nor Brave.
Sincerely,
Michael G. Nielsen
Lynchburg
To the editor:
Sadly, our elected federal government has taken steps this week, which will likely alter our American society for a long, long time. 
Words are important. I note the long cherished last stanza of our Star-Spangled Banner; “…the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave…”
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “freedom” as: the quality or state of being free – INDEPENDENCE. 
“Independent” is defined as: not requiring or relying on something else or somebody else, also; marked by impatience with or annoyance at restriction.
“Dependence” is defined as: relying on another for support. 
As a people, we are now dependent upon our federal government for our very health. This is the exact opposite of freedom!
The same dictionary says that “Intrepid” is a synonym for “Brave.”
“Intrepid” is: characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude and endurance.
In the future as we all stand in line, fearfully and impatiently awaiting a bureaucrat’s decision about what health care the government is or is not willing to provide, we may well remember this week as a pivotal time in history, when we collectively decided to be neither Free nor Brave.
Sincerely,
Michael G. Nielsen
Lynchburg
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