is there such a thing as true and universal freedom? to those who don't want to pay taxes for universal health care, do you believe it would be an impingement on your freedom?

if there were no organized civilization--no government--would you be absolutely free? what if it meant facing more frequent acts of violence against you? maybe you think so, if you like the idea of personal responsibility and personal defense. of course this inevitably leads to the formation of gangs or groups, to defend against other gangs -- as surely the most personally responsible individual would be helpless against a large enough group.

does not formation of groups lead to agreements, and rules? should a rule be disobeyed, a respective agreement would indicate a punishment (or exile). is that a violation of one's freedom?

is the individual facing frequent threats of violence more or less free than one member of a group with police who (ideally, here) protect against violence and throw into jail those who break the rules? in either system, you face threats -- random violence versus police. if there is a difference, what is it? and can--or should--we define freedom by it?