Would the Founding Fathers Recognize America in the 21st Century?
Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart
The image of the United States of America in the minds of
our idealistic Founding Fathers can be found in the words contained in the
Declaration of Independence and the first ten Amendments in the Constitution,
the Bill of Rights. However, I doubt they would see their dreams in today’s
America. Some of the mistakes they made were originally based on the levels of
integrity within their peers. Politicians have morphed into corrupt and
ambitious men and women. Political success takes precedence over the welfare of
our nation’s people in the 21st century.
The Word is Freedom
Every person who signed our most sacred documents agreed
that the First Amendment contained the rights most important to every American.
However, in 2017 Trump and his American Fascist Party began to remove those
rights, claiming that they are reserved exclusively for wealthy white men.
Their ambition is to remove our democratic government and replace it with
fascism with Trump as their Fuhrer.
In the world of right-wing politicians the line, “all men
are created equal with certain inalienable rights. That among those rights are
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” no longer exists. Red states
continue to pass laws aimed at voter suppression and the subjugation of women’s
rights. The issue of voting rights unfairly targets Black Americans and the
less fortunate.
Religious Freedom
The first line of the First Amendment refers to freedom of
religion. It might have been less confusing if it was written, “freedom of
religion or freedom from religion.” One of our country’s two major political
parties is under the influence of the Christian Religious Right, a clear
violation of the First Amendment.
Patriotism
Growing up in the United States the words “America and
freedom” were synonyms. This was what our country was all about. As we recited
the “Pledge of Allegiance” before classes began a feeling of pride swept over
me. In case you don’t remember, here it is in its original form:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for
which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for
all.".
In 1923, it was revised:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States
of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all."
And again in 1954:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
America Was Founded to Protect Freedom From Religion
I find it is best said in its original form. The 1954
version makes less-informed Americans believe that America was founded on and
for religious reasons. Nothing could be further from the truth. Read the truth
about our nation’s history and learn the real facts.
Op-ed by James Turnage
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