Liberty

If liberty is part of an equation,
Weighed against a version of itself, from another point of view,
The slightest shift of the fulcrum means frustration,
As we seek to redefine what must be true
In terms of how the freedom of (sometimes) the very few
Now takes precedence. But this is a logical reaction,
Should not be labelled ignorance, give us our due;
If liberty is part of an equation,
Then so is tolerance.  And it seems to me that the fixation,
With shifting the balance, as governments are prone to do,
Without a mandate, is imposition.

Weighed against a version of itself, from another point of view,
Liberty is seldom balanced, though that is something that we always knew,
Accepted, still accept, there is no constant, but legislation
Is the opposite of liberty and this is unquestionably true.

The slightest shift of the fulcrum means frustration;
Good ideas derive from long deliberation,
And might be purple, a 50:50 mixture red and blue;
The beneficial period of gestation,
As we seek to redefine what must be true,
Grows shorter, as politicians seek to change the hue.

We know that liberty's not dictation,
We're not stupid, can always think things through;
Therefore include us always in the conversation,
If liberty is part of an equation.