“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 . . .” The famous immortal words of our Declaration of Independence. Three observations on these words today when Albuquerque citizens vote on whether to ban late term abortions.
First, the right to life is supposed to be self evident. According to our founders the right to life is a truth that is self evident. Seems a bit perplexing that we even have to vote on an issue that is so self evident?
Second, there are some rights that are granted by the creator and not given or taken by the government. One of these is supposed to be the right to life, according to the Declaration. The vote today in Albuquerque is a perfect example of what our founders intended…local citizens taking action by the will of the people to address a matter of importance. Regardless of the outcome, the exercise in this process by the citizens that got it on the ballot is a great example of how concerned citizens can and should control their government, especially when it comes to rights that are supposed to be outside the purview of the government.
Third, life is a right. A fundamental right. A right from which all other rights flow. If we don’t have a right to life we really cannot expect protection of other fundamental rights. I am all for minimalist government, but the very role of government is to protect these rights, at least to the Declaration of Independence. “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.” Declaration of Independence.
Regardless of the outcome it is refreshing to see citizens in action taking to heart these sacred words. With such brave citizens our future indeed has hope. Go vote!
Until Next Time,
David A. Standridge
We need more articles like this. People need to be educated. The right to “LIFE”, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” is not a fundamental right these days, but it should be! Thanks for this awesome article David!