Some years ago, I visited a communist country. While it has opened to the wider world over recent years, it was just in the process of opening and much more restrictive at that time. I didn't really know what to expect when I went there, and I was appropriately cautious in every way. I made sure I understood ahead of time what I could and could not bring into the country. I was careful about everything from reading material to my necessary prescription drugs, especially my EpiPen injector, which I was concerned would be misinterpreted in a country where bringing in illegal drugs is a death sentence. I understood there would be a military presence, and I was aware that I had to be careful about what I said and did while I was there.
When I arrived, things went pretty much as I expected. The military presence was especially pervasive, soldiers on every corner, which was quite an adjustment. And loudspeakers would blast messages to the public periodically, which I was told were government propaganda, which was pretty interesting to me. And there was a strange, pervasive aura of caution everywhere, which would be difficult to describe, but you definitely knew it was there.
But it actually wasn't the overt eye of the government which wore on me over the succeeding days. Instead, it was the constant watching of my words which I found so difficult to maintain. I found myself pondering the difficulties of never being able to express myself freely, having to be out in the open away from anyone in order to ensure privacy, and not even being confident that my hotel room was a "safe zone" from prying intrusion.
I also found it difficult to have any meaningful conversation with people, although many spoke English quite fluently, because they didn't trust me, and truthfully, I didn't really trust them either. Who was spying on me, I would think to myself? Sound paranoid? Perhaps, but it is a reality in a dictatorship that has to be considered. This mistrust is corrosive, and prevented me from fully engaging with anyone, because you simply didn't know what they would say, think or do. And I was an even greater danger to them, no doubt.
It gave me a much deeper understanding of countries where people are afraid to express themselves, even to family members, for fear of what could happen or who might report you for thinking or saying the wrong thing. There are more ways to be imprisoned than being in jail, I realized.
It was a relief to leave after a few days, although I loved the country and the people, and would happily return if only I had the time and money. It has caused me to think seriously about the freedoms I have in the United States, and I value them much more than I did before that trip. I no longer take it for granted that I can say what I want and express what I feel, because not everyone can in this world.
This Veteran's Day, I appreciate those who were willing to sacrifice themselves for my rights, even when I disagree with them. What a gift they have given to us all.
Thank you to all the veterans. I honor you this day, and I thank you.
