Terrorism versus Freedom

          On September 11, 2001, the United States was assaulted by terrorists who do not respect freedom, democracy, or the rule of law. They greatly endanger not only life and limb, but also the opportunity for people to enjoy the highest quality of socialization needed for self-actualization and creativity.

          Soc 142 presents a "wellness theory" of socialization, self-actualization and creativity. It presents scientific data which show we all have a biological birthright to well, happy, self-actualized, free and creative lives. The terrorists who are attacking our nation do not like all the freedoms that we have: Freedoms to question authority, evaluate different religions, tolerate people of many different ethnic and religious backgrounds. They want their set of rules and beliefs to prevail over all others. The social system they want to impose on the world does not allow people to have broad ranges of choices about the ways they lead their lives or steer their own socializations.

         Socialization is most likely to lead to self-actualization and creativity when people live in free societies -- free of terrorism and political tyranny. The terrorists who assaulted the United States on September 11, 2001, are working to limit valuable social freedoms which are essential if each individual is to be able to actualize his or her full human potential and express her or his creativity to the fullest.

          Among the things that we need to assure that every child, teen and adult gets the fullest chance to actualize his or her human potential is freedom from fear, freedom from tyranny, and freedom from terror. Terror and fear are among the "great downward forces" that can squelch creativity and any person's fully developing his or her human potential.

          I, John Baldwin, want you to know that we must all work in any ways we can to defend the freedoms that we have. The founding fathers of our nation wanted us all to have the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Not only do I want that for you, I also want you to have the freedom to steer your socialization in any direction that you want -- as long it you do not interfere with the rights of others to pursue their own lives, liberties and sources of happiness. I hope that we all see the value of self-actualization and creativity. Do what you can to defend liberty and strengthen every free nation on the planet. Even if that only means speaking up for the free society in which we live--when you hear other people putting it down--you are making your voice heard.

                                                                          Sincerely,

                                                                       John Baldwin

                                                                                            Sept 2001

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