In the American Declaration of Independence, dated July 4, 1776, one can find the famous words: “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.”
To pursue their unalienable rights, the revolutionaries among the American colonists successfully took up arms against what they saw as unjust authority and ultimately won independence for the colonies.
Historically, the Greed Elite in this country, the Robber Barons and their successors, have scoffed at the idea that all men are created equal, and have helped dictators around the world resist freedom movements. Greed has trumped human rights for much of history, but that does not mean that progressive change is impossible.
Based on our belief in the values within the Declaration of Independence, and the responsibilities that come with liberty and leadership, we have three recommendations:
- Seek ways to insure that people in other nations gain the rights enjoyed by Americans, who were born into a country where freedom was won centuries ago
- Remember that many successful freedom movements were won through non-violent resistance and negotiation
- Strive to reverse the failures of many of our leaders at all levels of society to live up to the principles in the Declaration of Independence.
Efforts to support principles of equality and human rights can be taken in the home, the community, the state, the nation, and internationally.
What have you done to support these principles—for example, through signing petitions, writing letters, marching peacefully? Please send us your stories.
Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology