On this Independence Day, I ponder something that stirs inspiration at a level deeper than I initially thought. That something? Unalienable Rights.
What is the definition of Unalienable Rights? What’s unalienable cannot be taken away or denied. Within the context of the Constitution, these rights are granted by God. From that particular perspective, it seems that man should do everything within his power to both protect and promote those rights . . . for everyone!
I am disturbed by what appears in recent days, to be moves to abandon these Unalienable Rights for all and to preserve them for a designated few. Anytime these rights are threatened for a few through legal wranglings, political shenanigans, ideological pandering or self-righteous religiosity, they are threatened for all.
The three initial Unalienable Rights listed in our Constitution are: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
“When in the course of human events” these rights become scarce commodities, the whole of human decency is threatened. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are rights that must be honored and nurtured for all people, everywhere – especially in our Country! Especially!
I am hopeful that as we celebrate this Independence Day 2017, we will avoid falling prey to the allure of elitism; the temptation of power; the enticement of status; or the seduction of self-importance.
Our Country can be great only when these Unalienable Rights are promoted, protected and perpetuated for every man, woman and child alive now and in the future. We must work diligently, tirelessly, purposefully to ensure that we all can access Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. As difficult as this may be; as distasteful as it might be for some to encourage these rights for all; as challenging as Liberty and Justice for All might be to guarantee – these are the things that must drive our commerce, our education, our governance, our worship, our families, our laws, our . . . everything.
On this Independence Day, may we work together to make these Rights, Sacred!
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
