What Are the Responsibilities of an Individual in a Free Society?

I am probably one of the most opinionated people that I know but I must say in my defense that I am a firm believer in a free society.

Granted, when I am riding on the train I often see people who are not dressed like me or listening to the kind of music I like and I'll be the first to admit that at times my initial feeling is one of uneasiness. However, I am quick to remind myself to not judge a book by it's cover. I prefer to take a live and let live stance whenever possible.

In my personal relationships I count people of all different backgrounds and scenes as friends and acquaintances. I'm rather put off by people who only want to run in their own little pack and refuse to socialize with anyone outside of that closed circle.

We must remember that in order for a free society to function and sustain itself, we must all do our part to acknowledge that in order for each of us to practice our pursuits and interests we must also allow others to do the same. It is only when one group seeks to force their agenda on everyone else that we should act to suppress those people.

I have my own views on things like politics, immigration and the environment but I try to avoid forcing others to accept these views. Of course, when the opportunity arises, I am quite enthusiastic about defending my beliefs but there have been many occasions when I have had to rethink an opinion after having a discussion with someone holding opposing views.

This is what makes a free society such a great thing, the open exchange of ideas and philosophies. Freedom in the United States has never meant that an individual has the right to impede upon the opinions and liberties of another individual just as no individual or group should ever band together to force their opinions and beliefs on me. Continued freedom relies upon all of us exercising common sense when it comes to our personal behavior. No society can function if the individuals within that society cannot work together to find common ground and define good boundaries that allow for personal freedom while at the same time making sure that the larger society is not being affected in a negative way.

Speaking as an individual and only for myself, I can tell you that many of my beliefs are strong and unwavering but at the same time I am able to recognize that others in my community may not share my beliefs and may also be offended by them. For the most part, I am able to recognize that many of my beliefs were shaped by my upbringing and life experiences and they are valid to me but may not be valid or acceptable to someone who may have had an entirely different set of life experiences. Unless my beliefs and opinions can contribute to the greater good of society then I see no reason to push them onto the general public. Now all I ask in return is for others around me to exercise a little self-discipline and think about your actions and let us all work together to help keep the United States of America a free society and not merely a collection of polarized groups seeking to further their own special interests.