@silas it was originally freedom of choice. traditional american values involve a lot of small actors doing many things and you having to rely on personal responsibility to make good decisions.

basically, the state isn't your dad.

unfortunately over the years a lot of that choice has been shut down with regulations (many of which are captured) and weird modernity like people expecting the state or their boss to provide for them. in old america you just demanded money from your job, and you sought things like healthcare from friendly societies or other programs.