Imagine the first meeting of the Founders. Within their veins surged a passion for independence, and the affects of injustice that was pushed on them from their Mother country. These white, wealthy men sat around a table discussing freedom for themselves and their families, and for generations to come. When we learn about the establishment of our nation, we equate it to bold acts of bravery by these men, and we claim that they preached equality and justice for all. As we see from centuries of inequality, we have to question whether or not our country is as free as we believe it to be.
Don't get me wrong; we are free to believe in (or not believe) and practice our religion, we are free to speak our minds and we are free to openly express our discontent with our government and those who lead it. We are not being oppressed in the same way that other nations are. But, we are still not a nation of liberty and justice for all.
If we are a nation of liberty and equality, why do we judge one another on the color of our skin? The Civil Rights Movement of the 50's-early 70's was a period of hatred, violence, inequality and injustice. Our justice system chose to criminalize a whole group of people just because they looked different from the white population. If we are such a free nation, why is this still happening today? Why do police officers kill unarmed black men? Why do African Americans feel like their voices aren't heard from a government supposedly dedicated to leading a nation "of liberty and justice for all"?
If we are a nation of unalienable rights, liberty and equality, why are children being killed before they are even born? Why do we excuse this behind the phrase of "choice"? If we preach equality, why aren't women encouraged and uplifted in our society? Why is it looked down upon to be a mother, or even considered to be weak? If we are truly equal, shouldn't women be supported in their decision of education and occupation?
Our Founders were white, privileged men who left the land of their birth in search of a home where they could worship and live the way they wanted. This, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. But our Founders excluded so many from this liberty and equality. They themselves were judgmental of people who looked, worshipped, talked and viewed things differently than them. I believe that we give them far too much credit. After all, we act like them, don't we? We choose who can partake from this liberty. We decide who gets to live and who gets to die. We determine who deserves grace and who doesn't. This does not sound like liberty, equality or justice to me.
Our nation is not one of liberty and justice for all. Despite this, there is hope. There is you. Change the way you treat people. Treat everyone with respect, dignity and equality. Don't forget those who our government easily ignores. Set an example, lead the way. This nation is not as free as it should be, and it's time this changes.
