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. -Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson, the brilliant author of the historic Declaration of Independence, affirmed specifically in writing what must be considered “unalienable Rights.” James Madison added the first 10 Amendments to the United States Constitution, which added other rights for “we the people.”
Nevertheless, many things were missed. Neither Jefferson nor Madison included a host of rights that must also be embedded into our nation’s ethos. These other unalienable rights include but are not limited to:
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· Affordable and comprehensive lifelong healthcare
· The ability to control one’s own body, including reproductive care and treatment
· Affordable prescription drugs
· Paid parental leave
· Affordable childcare and eldercare
· A comfortable and productive retirement
· Unlimited and unrestricted access to knowledge
· Free government-supported public education from pre-kindergarten through college, as well as university graduate programs
· The freedom to love whomever one loves and to marriage equality
· Equitable access to public services and accommodations
· Affordable gender-affirming care
· A strictly defined separation of government from religion
· Safe and effective consumer protections of all kinds
· Independent and representative labor unions and collective bargaining
· An annual living wage and an equitable and fair income
· Wealth without the massive gaps between individuals and families
· Equitable and fair tax policies free from loopholes
· Clean air, clean water, and a clean overall environment free from toxic fossil fuels and chemical deposits
· Affordable and sustainable clean energy sources
· Safe streets and communities free from fear of injury or death from firearms (No, the ownership of firearms is NOT an unalienable right)
· Freedom of movement and crossing of state and national borders and a humane path to citizenship
· A police system that guards the rights and lives of all lawfully engaged people regardless of background and provides just and humane consequences for transgressors
· An equitable system of justice
· Public economic and social safety net programs for anyone in need
· Safe and affordable housing
· Easy access to vote in free and fair elections within non-gerrymandered districts
· Appropriate and comprehensive governmental regulations on business and industry that protect the community and common good
· The truth
· Thought and self-expression
· Privacy
· The ability to reach the outer limits of one’s potential
· Freedom to define oneself
· A vibrant democratic system
· The ability to live in full peace and security in an interconnected world community of nations
There is a concept in the Jewish tradition known as Tikkun Olam – meaning to transform, heal, and repair the world so that it becomes a more just, peaceful, nurturing, and perfect place.
Let us go out into our lives and practice Tikkun Olam. Let us transform and liberate ourselves and the world.