Indeed, as an American living in Holland I can say that the "freedom" I have here versus the "freedom" I have in the US are different in structure but equal in

Indeed, as an American living in Holland I can say that the "freedom" I have here versus the "freedom" I have in the US are different in structure but equal in implementation. Freedom, of course, is an ideology which we strive towards but can never truly attain because it will always mean different things to each individual. Some group of colonists a long time ago picked some attributes that they thought were important to their circumstances (British rule) and drew a clear line in the sand (guns, speech, religion, etc). The Netherlands were formed under different circumstances, and maybe for them an individual's right to say whatever the fuck he wants to - no matter how bad it is - is important, but is superseded by a desire to preserve other 'freedoms' in a highly fragmented, multicultural environment historically prone towards minority persecution. Gun ownership is another good example: 'freedom' from the government, or 'freedom' to live in a society with a lower risk of being shot. There's no right answer, of course. Personally, I feel just as free here as I do in the US. I can live in a similar fashion with no real restrictions that affect me or my friends, and feel that (should I disagree with the government) I can be politically active and not suffer from unfair retaliation. I can even vote here as a foreigner (try that in the US). Are there theoretical things I can't do here but can in the US? Of course, but that works both ways.