Yes, we enjoy many freedoms here. But we are not so free in other ways. It can be as simple as crossing the street. Technically, we are not free to jaywalk and we can be fined for doing so. Such a law would be unheard of in many other countries. Just walk down a city street sometime and really focus on all the rules. No parking, no skateboarding, no bikes, no loitering, no trespassing. In California, you are not free to drive without a seatbelt or ride a motorcycle without a helmet. I do these things anyway, but I don't think I should be forced to. I've been detained and questioned by the police for doing nothing more than walking down the street after dark. It's true no one is forcing me to wear a bike helmet...yet. But like I said, when I travel to other countries where these kinds of nitpicky rules and regulations are not so ubiquitous, then I really feel a sense of freedom. And generally I find the people there get along pretty well. But if you insist that I am free, can I light this spliff now?