“All men are created equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; among which are the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing the obtaining of happiness and safety.”

it was okay

that was so great!

A lost and foreign principle.

What a myth - All men (and women) are not created equally, free and independent. Tell that to a new-born child with AIDS and whose parents have just been killed. When will we stop this ridiculous rhetoric and start getting off our buts to do something about it. We talk like this while Darfur is allowed to happen – write your representative and tell them to divert some of the billions goings to contractors in Iraq where a bag of laundry cost $100 (please see Iraq for Sale).

First we must start with a concept, and this is a glorious one... then we must implement the policies and actions to make that concept real. So, like Robert points out, make love not war... and while we are talking about Virginia, that means block their anti-marriage, homophobic attempt to modify their constitution by putting hate and inequality statements into it.

Bravo Reston

It is absolutely amazing and transparent; those that encourage, support and advance mental illness with subsequent perverse actions i.e. chosen habits that are destructive to society (good called evil, evil called good), as well as the rest of the morally bankrupt, don't have a clue what the quote really means or the liberty derived therefrom. Liberalism and conservatism in today's world are both ends of the same destructive stick.

It is not a myth -- it is a declaration. That is the start. It is the stand that we take. Our rights are inalienable because WE say so. Of course, those that disagree will do what they can to enforce their declarations. Freedom starts with a declaration -- then it is backed up by force. Live free or die -- that was the motto.

It has always amazed me how the left can successfully redefine words. Equality shifts from opportunity to outcome. Rights, which once came from God, now are privileges and perquisites granted by government. Voltaire said that, "if there was no God it would be necessary to invent him." The right has their God, and the left has their Government to provide all their needs. One doesn't have to look far to see which one is more vengeful. Don't pay your taxes and you'll find out too.

Although the statement is largely valid, all of its elements have been abused, and are still being abused, by those who care not at all for the rights of anyone but themselves, which is becoming a norm. Men can appreciate what is right, but they cannot put it into practice. They do not know how.

Reston, what "hate and inequality statements" are you refering to.

Ken, thank you, excellent !