The Law in Focus June 29th, 2009
Freedom
Although the inauguration of Barak Obama as President of the U.S.A., and the idolization of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, as the world celebrates his life and mourns his death, are testimony of the fact that the African Diaspora in the Western hemisphere came a long way, the journey travelled since slavery should not be forgotten, or taken for granted. The political and economical realities of the past cannot be ignored as we are shaping our future.
Freedom of oppression opens the way for the freedom to develop one’s potential; it empowers and affords the right to make choices of our own. However, a discussion on “freedom” will reveal that political freedom in the sense of the absence of interference with the sovereignty of an individual, by the use of force or aggression, does not automatically mean having the power and resources to act to fulfill one’s own potential.
Freedom is measured in various ways on an individual or country level: political and economic rights, civil liberties, conduct of elections, freedom of press, participation, public opinion, functioning of government, corruption and stability, to mention a few. Reflection on our journey since slavery with an eye on the future would therefore be a worthwhile exercise on July 1th in commemoration of the Abolition of Slavery within the Dutch Kingdom.
While our civil liberties and individual rights are legally protected since the Abolition of Slavery, freedom from poverty, access to medical health, proper housing and education are not yet guaranteed for all in our societies.
A fruitful and blessed Emancipation Day to all!
Dr. Nilda Arduin,
President Foundation Focus, Producer of The Law in Focus
