Welcome to the Land of Hypocrisy

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John Locke an influential philosopher and pioneer during the Enlightenment era, known for his ground breaking ideas of Natural Law. In Locke’s text “Two Treatises of Government” he asserts the idea “That all men by nature are equal. ...being that equal right, that every man hath, to his natural freedom, without being subjected to the will or authority of any other man.” (Locke 161). Influencing Thomas Jefferson, this idea made its way into the Declaration of Independence. Although, the founding document states that all men are equal, allowing one to pursue freedoms. Americans have not lived up to its full penitential. Relinquishing the guidelines set forth by the founding fathers. Freedom and equality have become mythic ideals, not only because of what the founding document proclaims but the actions of Americans. Hiding behind a veil of hypocrisy and portraying an illusion, while constructing difficult barriers impairing ones pursuit for freedom and equality.

The Declaration of Independence became the fundamental building block uniting thirteen British colonies. A document held in high esteem around the world in part because of the great nation it produced. Proclaiming “…that all men are created equal…with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Jefferson 493). This document ensured that no matter the circumstance, peoples fundamental rights were not taken away. Solidifying Life, Liberty and Happiness for the people, making them incapable of be repudiated. Giving All Americans access to freedom and equality, from the day they are born. “…the Laws of Nature…entitled them...” (Jefferson 492). No one has the right to give or take freedom. This idea that man owns his destiny bec...

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.... America has been blinded by ignorance and allows injustice to prevail, showing absolute disregard for the Declaration of Independence. Why is it easy to rob a man of his freedom and equality?

Works Cited

Atwood, Margaret. “A Letter to America” The Presence of Others: Voices and Images That Call for Response. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.

Bardes, Barbara. American Government and Politics Today 2008: The Essentials. New York: Cengage Learning, 2008.

Douglass, Fredrick. “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” The Presence of Others: Voices and Images That Call for Response. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.

Jefferson, Thomas. “The Declaration of Independence” The Presence of Others: Voices and Images That Call for Response. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2008.

Locke, John. Two Treaties of Government. Massachusetts: C. and J. Rivington, 1824.

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