...and justice for all?

It is July 4 of 2007. The day we set of fireworks to celebrate our independence from England 231 years ago. I was pondering the meaning of the day this morning. I noted the Constitution printed in the local Oregonian. I got as far as "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all MEN"- whoa. slow down. All men? What about women. Aren't they equal too? They're as much as a human being as a man. You'd think that in the 21st century things would be quite different Sadly, it seems society today which prides itself on being 'progressive' is still discrimantory towards anyone who is not male, hetrosexual, white, or christan. The constitution may proclaim equal rights for all but this is not the case. People stand at queer right marchs or queer funerals with signs proclaimng horrible, hateful messages. How can you revel in the death of another human being without becoming th monster you claim people who are different than you are. Women earn less pay than men and everywhere you turn are being objectified. After reading the constitution, I though of something else that despite preaching equal rights for all is not being followed. In fact, it has had religon inserted in it. Therefore, I say it as it was originally written. The way it was meant to be said. "I pledge alliegence to the flag of the United States of America, one nation indivisble with liberty and justice for all. In spite of all the goverments ssertions, everywhere I turn I see opression and people "sweltering under injustice." All you have to do is look out your front door. Homelessness is illegal and people who are different people are teased unmercifully. I know, because I speak from experience. We may have achieved freedom from England 231 years ago but we are still not free. We have come a long way since then, and I applaud people who stood up and were unfraid to make a difference. Ghandi says "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." We still have a long way to go. Today, on July Fourth, instead of just thinking of this as a day to set of fireworks, think of this. Even though we are no longer enslaved to another country, we have become enslaved to ourselves. We have created a society were certain groups of people are better than others. People are killed for being different. I encourage you to turn to your brother or sister today and tell them you are glad they are a unique human being. Our differences are what brings us together as human beings. I look forward to the day when we can all hold hands and say in the words of Dr. King, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty we are free at last. And mean it.