Is self determination and liberty a lie in Western Society?

Nice observation! I see the same things and it frustrates me. Is there an answer? I guess I would have to answer with a question. If self-determination and liberty are not a lie, then are they real enough in the hearts of people that we would fight for them? Because these things do not come cheap. It requires each one of us to stand up to those who rob us of our autonomy, demand change, and not give up until we have it. No matter what the cost is. If we are not willing to fight for it, then it will stay just an idea in our minds - a dream. Because one thing is certian . . . we dont have it. If we are living in a civil society, we are not free. We are slaves to our own laws. Laws that were supposedly made by us. But we all know that our leaders have become corrupted. They are making the decisions. There is no doubt about it. I know that there are benefits to living in a civil society. But it must be kept clean. Once it is corrupted, the power of the people is lost, and we are no longer free.