The United States of America is unique among other countries in the world because it puts forth a society based upon the principles of human freedom. Individual freedom is the foundation of our government, and although, as Americans, we may disagree about many social issues, it is our core belief in freedom that often unites us. The history books tell us our forefathers intended the American ideal of freedom to shine like a beacon through every corner of the world, illuminating those homelands where human rights were suppressed and abused.