This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, a fundamental question has emerged: what does it truly mean to be free?
For many Americans, freedom has come to mean freedom from taxes, freedom from regulation, and even freedom from wearing masks in public. However, this narrow definition of freedom has led to a distorted conversation about the concept.
Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin, the youngest female prime minister in the world, offers a refreshing perspective on freedom. In a recent meeting with The New York Times editorial board, she emphasized the importance of a strong social safety net in providing a sense of security for citizens.
'It gives people freedom when you have a very strong welfare state,' she said.
Marin's words stand in stark contrast to the American politics of freedom, which has long been defined by Franklin Roosevelt's vision of freedom from want. However, in recent decades, freedom in America has come to mean freedom from taxes, freedom from regulation, and freedom from responsibility.
Finland's approach to freedom is rooted in its commitment to social welfare and equality. The country's strong social safety net includes free healthcare, university education, and a guaranteed minimum income. This approach has allowed Finns to feel secure and free, without sacrificing economic vitality.
As The New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof has noted, the Nordic model of social welfare has much to offer. In a recent article, Kristof explored the benefits of working for McDonald's in Denmark, where employees earn around $22 an hour and receive six weeks of paid vacation, life insurance, and a pension plan.
As we navigate the challenges of the pandemic, it's time to rethink our definition of freedom. By considering the experiences of other countries, such as Finland and Denmark, we may find that true freedom is not about being free from responsibility, but about being free to live a secure and fulfilling life.
