Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s founding fathers and key contributing author of the 1776 Declaration of Independence, is responsibility for pinning the documents powerful and well known line, “all Men are created equal”. The concept that “all Men are created equal” is the foundation of America’s phiolosy. “Yet, it was written at a time when some inhabitants were held in bondage and other were being disposed of their lands” (Video).
Throughout the annals of American history, the advocation for freedom, and the absorption of ideals such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have been at the forefront of the American belief. These beliefs were implemented in 1776, through the Declaration of Independence. This document was ratified by recalcitrant Americans who would not tolerate subjection to tyrannical rule. The American people hoped this document would seal their fate in relation to Europe, and prove to Europe, and frankly the entire world, that they were a separate, sufficient nation. But as the years unfolded, the realization that America would continue to be considered an inferior nation arose.
America is the land of the free and home of the brave, but has it always been? If someone were to reference old documents like The Declaration of Independence or even The Constitution they would think so, but American history itself says otherwise. During the mid 1770’s slavery was an almost unquestioned normality and women had no rights, however when The Declaration of Independence was written, the statement, “all men are created equal” appeared while Thomas Jefferson stated the natural rights of every human. This statement is clearly not true in the eyes of the men who wrote and edited this document, hence proving that the statement “all men were created equal” is hypocritical. In accordance to primary sources gained from this period of intolerance and recreations of it, it is clear that not only were the women not treated as equal, but the African men and women treated as property were also stripped of the three main rights and liberties the Declaration argues for.
Throughout the annals of American history, the advocation for freedom, and the absorption of ideals such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have been at the forefront of the American belief. These beliefs were implemented in 1776 through the Declaration of Independence. This document was ratified by recalcitrant Americans who would not tolerate subjection to tyrannical rule. The American people hoped this document would seal their fate in relation to Europe, and prove to them, and frankly the entire world, that they were a separate, sufficient nation. But as the years unfolded, the realization that America would continue to be considered an inferior nation arose.
Equality is not just fair treatment. In America, it also means that all American citizens get the the same rights, that should be protected by the government, promised by the founding fathers. Definitely the most controversial one was voting. Voting helped make the country a Democracy, allowing the most common of people to be represented in the national government. However, women did not get this basic right for years after 1776.
The United States is a nation built upon law, democracy, and principles derived from rights. Like anything man-made, there are flaws to be found in this nation, yet also strengths. Since the very first days of the Declaration of Independence’s effects on the colonies to the modern era we live in today, these successes and failures have defined society’s standards. While recently the United States has moved closer to the ideals of the Social Contract and Natural Rights, it has also moved further from the guiding Rule of Law.
The United states is doing a considerable job of preserving the principles the Declaration of Independance. A few of the principles are being maintained presently, but there are a few that are not being upheld. Such as “All men are created equal”, the first principle of the Declaration of independance. This principle basically indicates that in God’s eyes all people are alike. Yet not everyone has the same opportunities and privileges.
Idiocrasy: America’s Founding Ideals and What Went Wrong “Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever…” were the famous words of Martin Luther King Jr. Perhaps one can remain so not forever, but in America, a very long time. Called a “…beacon for freedom and opportunity” (George W. Bush, 2001), America has prided itself as the champion of its five founding ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence. These ideals of Equality, Liberty, Opportunity, Democracy, and Rights have not been given justice.
Even today in our society we still follow The Declaration of Independence. The quote "All men are created equally" for us mean that, All U.S citizen are the same, we have have the same equal rights and no one is differently when it comes to laws. In the novelette equality
America’s society has some distinctive characteristics that separate it from that of the rest of the world. Although diverse, the American society is unified in the number of traits that they all share. All American citizens value their individuality as well as their equality. Americans are not afraid to voice their opinions or to oppose something that they disagree with. If there is something that is not right, Americans will not hesitate to work towards positive change of that cause.
The ideals of the Declaration of Independence embody equality, inalienable rights, consent of the governed, and the right to alter or abolish government; and should be protected because the absence of these ideals lead to economic collapse and tyranny. Therefore, if these ideals are protected then the course of human events throughout history have shown that a path to Liberty will follow. Equality is defined as the state of being equal in status, rights, and opportunities. As in the case of immigrant people from a communist country, they appreciate the equal opportunity to succeed. Diana Pham who now lives in Chicago, Illinois states, “we appreciate the opportunity given to us to build our lives in the United States… America has given our
Ellis Island served port of entry (1892- 1954); Boston (customs passenger lists through 1899); Boston (customs passenger lists through 1899); Philadelphia (customs passenger lists through 1899); Baltimore (customs passenger lists through 1891); and New Orleans through 1902) Approximately, 40 percent of all current U.S. citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors to Ellis Island. There were also several minor ports, e.g. Mobile, Al. , Bath, Me., and Galveston, TX. Shortly after the U.S. Civil War, some states started to pass their own immigration laws, which prompted the U.S. Supreme Court to rule in 1875 that immigration was a federal responsibility.
My Values of Equality Milton Friedman, an American economist, in his article “Created Equal”, points out his concept about “Created Equal”. Friedman discusses the different ways that humans are considered to be equal, and then he declares three specific categories for human equality: equality before God, equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. Friedman argues that the first equality is the Founders’ use, the second equality is compatible with liberty, and the third equality is socialism. Equality is such a beautiful word that everyone should appreciate, and Friedman claims his points about its concept from his own comprehension. I really respect Friedman’s points about equality; however, there is something critical about equality which
The United States adheres and promotes democratic values upon which it was founded on such as liberty, justice and equality. Liberty, justice and equality are all democratic values. These values assist in the belief of freedom. They have brought many great things into the United States. Immigration has provided many jobs and freedom for people.
Bob Riley states, “Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the hero within us is revealed.” When hard times arrived in the epic poem, by Homer, Odysseus endured these moments. He is a character who is seen as very high person in society. Odysseus may not think of his actions, but many see it within him.
