Freedom: Political and Psychological

James Leroy Wilson over at Independent Country has an interesting post on the connection between psychological and political freedom. A sample:

But if a soul can be crushed by the State, it could just as easily be crushed by something else; if the State doesn't impose the obstacle, something else will. Getting rid of the State will not get rid of peer pressure, religious guilt, manipulative spouses, dishonest bosses, or other problems in life. Some people overcome these obstacles to live a full, contented life. Others do not. And those who do not, will never really be "free" no matter how much taxes are cut or how many laws are repealed.Freedom is about overcoming. Not overcoming the external forces, but overcoming the negative thoughts in our own minds.

The goal of Buddhist practice, as I see it, is to achieve a kind of freedom, fulfilment, and peace that is not dependent on external or internal forces. Thus enlightenment is the freedom that comes from the cultivation and expression of wisdom and compassion. Removing the State or any external obstacle will not be sufficient. Even a just society will still be in samsara so long as we are in bondage to greed, hatred, and ignorance.