In a supposedly free country, why is it that people can't ........

I would not like to live in any other country but America, except maybe Canada because it's so clean. There's no prayer in school because of the seperation between church and state. I didn't know one couldn't bring a bible to work. Are you sure about that? We can't smoke in bars and restaraunts because second hand smoke is bad for a person's health. It's upto an individual if they want to kill themselves smoking but don't make me smell your smoke. I have sinus trouble besides not wanting to get lung cancer. We can't drive as fast as we want because it's dangerous for everyone on the road. We can't discipline our children the way we want because some people get out of hand and take it too far. They don't know the difference between discipline and a beating. I think that there has to be rules in every society for it to survive. That's my opinion.

I agree about praying and smoking in resturants. We aren't a free country at all anymore.

I love America and I am glad I chose to be a naturalized citizen BUT all the rules they make regarding smoking and prayer I don't agree with. The US should pay more attention to the rules regarding illegal aliens that penalizing citizend for smoking and praying.

You are free as long as your freedom don't affect other people, and smoke in restaurants is something that affect others so I guess that at least this one is right.

The rules are based on a balance of our rights and freedoms and the rights and freedoms of those around us. Take driving for example, would you really want to see a semi comming in your direction and 159 miles per hour in the rain because the driver felt like driving that fast at that point. Just to create an example of what you seem to suggest.

If its a free country why must you pay tax on land you already own? Houses you already bought? Nothings free anymore, theres a price for almost everything. Its sad how greedy the government and even regular people can be.

Our freedom is limited as soon as it interferes with anyone else's rights. My right to swing my fist ends at your nose's right to not get punched. It's arguable that the founding fathers wanted such interference but its not fair to let everyone do what they want when it interferes with others.

Give me a break, in many countries, you could die for saying disparaging things about the government. You are confusing freedom with being doing anything you want when you you want. There are rules that are for the good of society and then there are freedoms. You have the right to speak - freely and you obviously exercise that right. What country would you rather live in..since you feel so opressed?

if there are some rules and regulations being imposed in a place, that is mainly being observed and promulgated in order to protect the populace as a whole. maybe, there had been instances before, wherein one get mauled just because, he was bringing a Bible with him - or there could have been worse incidents which had already happened. praying in school cannot be observed where, there is a mix of relgion and creed among the students. there are always some valid reasons why one's freedom is curtailed, this is in respect to the rights and the freedom of the others around us.

In my opinion, America has too much freedom. Some of the limits that we have are good, but for the most part, America is running wild. You can pray in school any time you want, just go to school and open your mouth and pray. I have never heard a law against carrying your Bible to work. You have the right to smoke anywhere you want. as long as it does not infringe on anyone elses right to be smoke free. If people were allowed to drive as fast as they wanted, there would be more traffic accidents then there already are. I think that all chidren should be disciplined the way that the Bible instructs, but there are some parents who go to far and it becomes abuse, instead of discipline. I am an American and I would rather live in another country where they are not attempting to legalize sin. Abortion, gay marriage and many other things ought to be considered what they are. They are acts that God is not please with and we will all have to answer to him for the wrong that we have done on this earth.

I didn't know they can't prey in school and carry bible to work. Strange

i am from India.i love my country ,so i cant be American..you people enjoy freedom in all aspects like civil rights ,speech,etc But u are loosing ethical values due to lack of faith in Bible...you enjoy all the material pleasures in the world , but u lacks spirituality,modesty and even sympathy...i would like to visit my American friends

It is not about borders or different countries. The issue should be about total Human Freedom. We all bleed the same blood. We would all like a safe world for our loved ones. A good world for our children. We all live in hope.

the more freedom we have, the more vigilant we have to be, so that it is never taken/abused by another. Who though, will watch the Watchers?

Dear Baby gal, if all those things were to be allowed, then I think I could be free to walk up o you and put a cartridge in your brain. Exessive freedom is bondage

i am an Indian. I love my country very well. Never I would like to be an american.

I'm sure people can pray in schools, providing they do it in their own time, and don't try and make anyone join in against their will. again. I'm sure that if you choose to you can carry a bible to work. I'd be very surprised if bosses go through your bags and pockets and remove any religious items. as for the rest of it, these things are limited because they are harmful to other people. if you smoke in a restauraunt you can make the people that work there ill, and you can ruin the meal for other non-smoking diners. I can't eat in a room where people are smoking, as it makes me feel queasy. there are restrictions on allowable discipline because some parents don't have self control, or think it's okay to beat their children with a tool and cause them real injury. by putting hard and fast restrictions, these abusers can't try and make out that it's a reasonable level of discipline. driving as fast as you want, well again, the faster you drive, the less control you have over the car, the more likely you are to hit someone, and the more likely that accident will be fatal. restrictions are there for a very good reason. I can't wait for the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces that will come in in the UK later this year. I'll actually be able to enjoy a night out without having to leave early with a splitting headache.

Well JBB316, please dont feel so low and depressed. Its not only America but all round the world where me might say we r free ut freedom has no meaning in today world. well i feel no one is free and so it would not matter where we r. All that matters is whom we r with. I just hope ur near and dear ones, ur family, and ur friends and offcourse we on mylott are providing u atleast some amount of freedom. i dont like o see u so sad. it hurts. Please smile for me atleast. I grant u freedom to speak any topic and anything u wish too. :) coz thats all i can offer.

I don't know what to do with this topic. First of all, disciplining your children is in violations with their rights, and thus, you restrain their freedom. Also, praying isn't banned, and neither is a bible. What is banned is pushing your religion up on other people. However, I do agree: Freedom is to be found nowhere near America. Maybe you should try the Netherlands.

Any way,a lot of people is dreaming to be an American.