a freedom gauge,

question, on a scale of one to ten, how free are you.......really?
this has been a discussion among my circle of friends lately?
one of my main points many don't consider is debt.
most who claim ownership of property are lying.
you do not own property until it is paid for.
what is not yours can be taken away.
also included in the debt category are things like bills.

other considerations,
-do you rely completely on a pay check?
-how much of your income comes in one hand and goes out the other?
-how much of your life is basically acting upon others orders and suggestions?
-how much time do you spend improving lives of you and those close you?

what consideration would you like to add?

me?
i give myself a 9.
i own my 2 properties, both completely off the grid and self sufficient.
my only basic bills are things like food, propane, gas, insurance etc.
no utility bills otherwise.
i have been self employed for over half of my 49 years.
my consumption is most likely a very small percentage of the average american.

i think those reading this get my drift regarding my definition of freedom.
how does yours differ from mine?
where are you on the 'freedom gauge?

i'd also like to add benefits.
collecting food stamps and other assistance, being part of the system,
lowers your score imo, although others may disagree.

What about taxes?

You fail to pay the taxes on your "owned" properties and they quickly become the property of the government.

It really depends on you perspective on things. For example, If you dont mind paying taxes to maintain federal institutions and services is it really an assault on freedom?

I am going to say that the common sentiment will be people feel that their freedoms are being eroded, but of course that really depends where you are in the world.

I'm not even on the gauge yet......Maybe if I would have been a pushy deceitful greedy jerk I could have made the gauge

reply to post by MDDoxs


yes, all good points.
a minimum of taxes must be paid.
being off the grid and way rural helps this.
my property taxes are low enough to be basically insignificant regarding my income. not a worry, but of course there is truth to what you say.

Originally posted by rickymouse
I'm not even on the gauge yet......Maybe if I would have been a pushy deceitful greedy jerk I could have made the gauge

not sure your point besides being a

pushy deceitful greedy jerk

is a requisite to better your life.

I can't really can't say where I rank I don't fit your profile.

I own nothing I like it this way I can move at will.
I only buy things I can carry, and pay for out of pocket, so I guess you can say I own everything I have.
I don't have a home per se I drive a truck, so I have a place to sleep.
The only thing that can be taken from me is my freedom of speech, and I wonder how long I'll have that.

So I feel I may be a solid 7 or 8, but like I said I don't fit your profile.

Originally posted by terriblyvexed
I can't really can't say where I rank I don't fit your profile.

I own nothing I like it this way I can move at will.
I only buy things I can carry, and pay for out of pocket, so I guess you can say I own everything I have.
I don't have a home per se I drive a truck, so I have a place to sleep.
The only thing that can be taken from me is my freedom of speech, and I wonder how long I'll have that.

So I feel I may be a solid 7 or 8, but like I said I don't fit your profile.

you fit my profile more than you think.
i hereby grant you your rating of 7 or 8.