If all persons truly are created equal, then we all deserve equal access to healthcare because each life is as important as the next and healthcare should be considered a human right. We can no longer tolerate a system in which quality healthcare is only accessible to those who can pay.
If all persons truly are created equal, then we all deserve equal access to education so that all persons can develop their abilities for their own self realization and for the good of the community. We can no longer tolerate the ongoing economic segregation in our education system. We can no longer tolerate the unjust funding of public schools based on property taxes and other factors that perpetuate inequality.
If all persons truly are created equal, then all persons deserve a living wage for their work. We can no longer tolerate the lie being told to us by CEOs being paid 299 times more than the average worker’s salary that our economy will be harmed by paying people a living wage.
If all persons truly are created equal, then we all deserve access to a safe environment, clean air, clean water, and a livable climate. We can no longer tolerate environmental injustice and environmental racism that makes the poor and persons of color bear the brunt of the negative consequences of our ecologically irresponsible systems and practices. We can no longer tolerate a fossil fueled economy that is forfeiting a livable climate and contributing to the sixth great extinction in the history of our planet.
If all persons truly are created equal, then we all deserve equal access to the ballot and to equitable political participation. We can no longer tolerate efforts to suppress the votes of persons of color in the desperate attempt by so many to cling to white supremacy and systemic racism. We can no longer tolerate systems that allow the rich to control political processes through their wealth and alienate persons from fair and equal representation.
If all persons truly are created equal as we affirm them to be in our founding documents and in the amendments we have passed during our country’s history to more explicitly recognize this fact, then it is time that we fully live into a reality of equal opportunity based on our highest ideals rather than perpetuating the racist and unjust sins of our past. It is time we all have equal access to healthcare, a living wage, a safe and livable environment, and political participation. It is time we create a more just, peaceful, participatory, and sustainable society for all. It is time we become what we say we are – a society of persons who are all created equal.
