The Right and Freedom Mentality

What are we about?

The words “right and freedom” come directly from the Marine Corps Hymn (below). In February of 1945, the United States flag was raised over Mt. Suribachi in Iwo Jima. One of the bloodiest battles in the history of the Corps, thousands of Marines died trying to take the island while tens of thousands were wounded. In the end, the island fell and became a pivotal base in the Pacific theatre, helping ensure the ultimate victory of the United States.

That took courage. And it took valor, but as much, the conviction that we were doing the right thing. One of the traits that separate Marines from other combat forces was established during that battle, and proven time and time again. Marines run into situations where everyone else is running out. The reason is simple: we believe in our nation — both in what we are and in what we aspire to be. The words are right there in our hymn: right and freedom.

Right. And. Freedom.

That’s why we started this podcast and blog. The conversation in the wider metasphere is teeming with speculations about who said what and why. The news of the day seems to be what outrageous remark managed to gather the most attention. While our nation awaits an uncertain future, we can’t seem to have the conversation we need to in order to rally around the single cause: right and freedom. Right means doing the right thing, or in Marine speak, acting with integrity, discipline, and honor. Freedom means leading our individual lives to the extent that we don’t adversely impact others.

These are the lenses through which we try to see the issues of today. Left? Right? No. Marine? Yes.

Honor, courage, and commitment are the core values of the United States Navy, of which the Marine Corps is a part. We strive to hold ourselves and others to these values. Act with honor, even if it’s hard, and follow through. That’s what we do here at Right and Freedom.

Semper Fidelis,

Right and Freedom Staff

The Marine Corps Hymn

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We fight our country's battles
In the air, on land, and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marines.
Our flag's unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun; We have fought in every clime and place
Where we could take a gun.
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes; You will find us always on the job--The United States Marines.
Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve; In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve.
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes, They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.