Description
We share a country whose founding was premised on the central idea of natural rights for individual
freedom and liberty regardless of background, race, religion, or creed. These rights are immutable and
intrinsic to every single person, regardless of who they are born to or where they come from. The
Founders acknowledged this truth in the Declaration of Independence when they wrote “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…”
Aside from being true on its face, it was a significant and profoundly progressive event in history.
Formally declaring that the rights of women and men are not handed down by ruling authorities or
government, but instead exist on their own, was revolutionary. Government was to be built on the basis of respect for human dignity and personal self-determination, so long as one doesn’t infringe on the natural rights of others.
Taking it a step further, when the Founders stated “that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men” they were also acknowledging that power and sovereignty emanate from the bottom up (from the natural rights of the individual people), not top down. In other words, state/national sovereignty relies on the preservation of natural rights to protect individual dignity and sovereignty – together this forms the highest and principal purpose of government.
Going in reverse, if a government undermines or arbitrarily disregards the natural rights of a person or a group, they undermine individual sovereignty and dignity. This inherently undermines the very basis for their own state/national sovereignty. A beautiful check and balance, and one that has helped advance personal dignity and liberty to provide a foundation for human rights around the world.
I believe this is among the most important fundamental ideas and founding principles behind the
American form of government and society. While it might sound theoretical or seem difficult to
comprehend, it’s simple when one considers that it boils down to what are essentially the same
principles underpinning the Golden Rule or the idea “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Therefore while
America's legacy and heritage is certainly mixed with bright spots and shadows, the ideas from the
founding exist separately from people (i.e. from people who did not abide by them in history).
They have served as a deposit in time to support the advancement and preservation of human dignity. This has allowed our country to become as diverse and beautiful as it is today, moving us beyond tendencies for primitive despotism that result from flawed humanity. These ideas and their intent are things that can positively influence our shared desires and hopes for goodwill, peace, and happiness among our neighbors and fellow citizens. I think that’s pretty neat and quite something to share together. Hopefully you think so too.
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