[lotsofpulp]

No society is going to be able to offer freedom defined as "being able to do whatever you want".

I call it freedom because I see people exercising it. What is the point of a "freedom" if you can't afford to exercise it?

Are you free to send your children to play in sports if you're afraid that your child getting injured will financially ruin you? Are you free to participate in activities yourself if you're teetering on the edge and one unexpected expense will result in having to move out of a good school district, and result in significantly altering your child's chances of future success?

Are you free to participate in your community after you spend 90 min per day commuting after working an 8 to 10 hour day, resulting in nothing else than eating, saying hello-good night to the family, and going to bed?

Are you free to take care of your loved ones in case something should happen to them if you can't afford to go without a paycheck because there is no safety net?

But yes, I guess it is nice to take advantage of the minuscule chance that I'd be in a situation to have to shoot a thief.

[briandear]

You are free to make good decisions and bad ones.

[lotsofpulp]

Yes, most importantly, deciding to be born to good parents with a good family in good country in a good time period.