Today in history: May 31

President Ronald Reagan answers questions at his news conference in the White House in 1983.

(Image credit: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

By West Wing Reports

last updated 8 January 2015

May 31

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Freedom is the right to question and change the established way of doing things. It is the continuing revolution of the marketplace. It is the understanding that allows us to recognize shortcomings and seek solutions. It is the right to put forth an idea, scoffed at by the experts, and watch it catch fire among the people. It is the right to dream — to follow your dream or stick to your conscience, even if you're the only one in a sea of doubters. Freedom is the recognition that no single person, no single authority or government has a monopoly on the truth, but that every individual life is infinitely precious, that every one of us put on this world has been put there for a reason and has something to offer.