The Struggle for Equality and Justice

by Brian Dugas

On July 4th, 1776 a group of 56 men gathered in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence, a short document (1320 words) that explained the principles on which our government was based, and why we should be free of the tyranny of Great Britain. I would like to read one important section.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Some points need to be viewed a little more thoroughly:

 “All men are created equal”. We know that they were talking about white, landowning men and not including Native Americans, African Americans or women.  The struggle for equality and justice for these groups, and many others as well, continues to this very day. In fact many of the rights that have been earned through great sacrifice and determination over the years are at risk once again.

“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”. The people of this country are the source of the government’s power.  Our elected officials get their power from the consent of the people, not from wealthy donors or corporate sponsors who contribute to political campaigns that serve their best interests.

“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government,” 

Our Founding Fathers were brave enough to risk everything by signing this document as it could be used as evidence of treason by Great Britain, but they signed it regardless of the risks. They knew that it did not establish independence for the colonies, that would have to be won by force. But it did establish the fact that some things are worth fighting for.

While our current Declaration of Independence was important in its day, and had a global impact around the world, it is obvious that it needs to be updated to reflect the reality of the country in which we live.  That means a Government of the People that is quote “laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness”.  

Our elected officials are in office with the consent of the people and they are expected to implement our will.  When the government becomes destructive of these ends, we have the right and the responsibility to alter or abolish it.  We are at another critical point in this country.  Just like in July of 1776, many of the freedoms and rights that we cherish the most are at risk. We need to find the courage shown by those original Founding Fathers, and rewrite the Declaration of Independence to include every gender, race, and belief system that collectively makes our country great.

We need a new Declaration of Independence that lives up to the enlightened ideals and actually guarantees everyone's Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness.