freedom isn’t free, it is an illusionary way of taming the herd

we are only as free as the laws allow

as long as we are draped with the restraints of laws, forced to pay taxes, and made to watch what we say for fear of punishment

are any of us truly free

animals are free to live under the rules of survival of the fittest, evolution has changed the narrative

eat or be eaten, feast or famines

that is true freedom

the rest is a dream

jean jacques rousseau whispers in my ear as i shift the chains of freedom across my chest to breathe the air in halted gasps

no man is born free, no matter the circumstance or decree of his government

a body that governs strips away freedom by taxation and brandishes rights as billable goods