The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776 declaring that: “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.”
For some reason, African American men did not fall within the universal “all men” category.” It took a Civil War, 600,000 deaths and almost 100 years after the equality declaration to free the slaves. Once “freed,” these free men faced every form of hatred, violent attack and discrimination imaginable.
Although things have improved, widespread racism, segregation and hatred continues to exist in this country. Civil rights violations occur daily against racial, ethnic, national and religious minorities and women.
I applaud the lawyers of the ACLU and other civil rights organizations who keep the fight for humanity alive.
I am against attempts to stop people from voting. I am against voter ID cards. I am against repealing same day registration, which largely prevents African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities from registering at the polls on Election Day.
I am against poll taxes, literacy tests and other forms of voter suppression.
I am in favor of encouraging people to vote.