Cherokee Gonzalez

A Free Country 

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 (The Declaration of Independence).  

These were the words written by our founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence. This ideas present in this declaration are derived from John Locke's 'unalienable rights,' which are God-given and cannot be taken away (The Declaration of Independence and Natural Rights). Among these rights are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Unalienable rights state everyone is allowed to do as they please as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others (Natural Rights), however, while the United States of America claims to be based on these ideas, they have taken away the rights of LGBT people across the country. Is this really the foundation of our country, or is it just said to be?

Slavery in the new United States of America would last another 89 years until the end of the Civil War. But even then, the equality promised in the Declaration of Independence was denied not only to African Americans, but also to other minorities and women. Even today, Americans are still not certain what equality means in such areas as affirmative action, sex discrimination, and gay rights (Natural Rights).

Don't ask, don't tell; no same-sex couple can marry; married same-sex couples are simply roommates; LGBT people are unfit to be parents; they cannot buy a home; the list goes on! This country will never be fully free until we allow our 'foundation' to support everyone and not just the 'elect'.

Works Cited

Natural Rights - Constitutional Rights Foundation." Constitutional Rights Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2012. <http://www.crf-usa.org/foundations-of-our-constitution/natural-rights.html>.

law, and however. Also consider that notifying the housing authority may anger. "Fair Housing Laws: Renters' Protection from Sexual Orientation Discrimination - FindLaw." Civil Rights - FindLaw. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2012. <http://civilrights.findlaw.com/discrimination/fair-housing-laws- renters-protection-from-sexual-orientation.html>.