“Freedom... refer[s] to a social relationship among people -- namely, the absence of force as a prospective instrument of decision making. Freedom is reduced whenever a decision is made under threat of force, whether or not force actually materializes or is evident in retrospect.”

Sowell here is half accurate. Freedom is more than just the absence of force. Though accurate, that is just an out-side-in look at the mere action. Freedom is fundamentally an inherent quality from the in-side-out when the actor acts at lawful liberty.

It is not the absence of force but the presence of peace which makes for sound judgement. Force is color blind in application.

I like "the absence of force as a prospective instrument of decision making." It's a tall order but isn't it the ideal?

Ron, I like "It is not the absence of force but the presence of peace." ;-)

My primary beef with the 'compassionate' progressives is not with their objects of compassion, many of which I share, but with the means to their end. How much compassion do those earmarked for service deserve? And who says? Cannot a liberal understand this simple logic?

Laws that require my charity, service, obedience upon threat of being thrown to the wolves (lawyers & felons) as well as taking away access to my life's work, are hardly compassionate. And follow the money, the bureaucrats and their bosses take the lion's share. Paying protection money is as popular a racket as ever -- who says crime doesn't pay?

It is the ideal Archer, thanks for the like. As emotion being a spiritual substance, it is felt within all creatures. The presence of peace being the absences of hostile intent within mind, avoids bias force, and the negative effects upon that which is engaged. Though many within our Front line policing and security do not have the experience and patience, their "natural instinct" bound by the laws of nature follow seasoned leadership. Honesty and its intrinsic value are enhanced and come to the forefront of behavior. Case in point, officers who take an oath to uphold our constitution find themselves at odds with the legislative bodies and the judges upon the bench. Yet it is through bias force and instilled fear of their lively hoods they sircum to enforcing unconstitutional unjust laws. This, senor leadership among offices and healthcare staff know well.. My life at the present is an open book to some, as I take a peaceful stance against tyranny from above. Even with my ability to be a forceful agent I harbor no bias. This becomes a threat to corrupt institutions and their legislating from the bench. "Progressive Socialist, harbor within their minds and hearts bias force" therefore it is a natural reaction to withstand such tyrannical intent.