“Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them -- and then, the opportunity to choose.”

That is why it is so important that citizens be smart (not necessarily 'educated'). If we depend of government to teach us, few will learn how to think and argue much less 'choose.'

Refuse to exercise responsible behavior with your freedom at your own peril. If you behave like a spoiled child, someone, probably government, will treat you like one.