Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

It is obvious, if we look at things today, that Jefferson's revolutionary vision has been achieved in America. Even more so, it has been achieved to a degree that we assume has never been reached elsewhere. On the other hand, we must admit that any such questions can also be answered "yes, to a certain degree" and we must acknowledge that this is the case for America as well. However, we can sustain that this degree of achievement is extremely high and we will examine why in the lines below. In order to do so, we must have a closer look at the three fundamental rights that Jefferson envisioned and evaluate the degree to which they were reached.

The third right seems to be the easiest to defend. Indeed, Jefferson's vision does not actually engage the government to support the pursuit of happiness, but, practically, only to allow anybody to find happiness. This is materialized by a coherent legislative framework which ensures a certain equality of chances. Let's give out examples that will prove my point.

Before the 60s, the black population had a special status in the United States. Freed from slavery in 1864, it had a restricted access to higher education and to higher positions, both in the administrative apparatus and the private companies (a direct consequence of the fact that they could not get a higher education). Nowadays, we find negroes in leading positions throughout the economy and the politics world. Only if we have a look at the members of the Bush administration, we will have enough proof. This comes to show that equality of chances is no longer a myth or a vision and that everyone is actually given the possibility to pursue his or her happiness the way they see fit.

This is also the case for other people living in America, especially if we consider emigrants who come to the United States to follow the American Dream. They are perhaps the best evidence that Jefferson's idea of the right to pursue one's happiness is a reality.

As for liberty, the United States is perhaps the best example where one's individual freedom has never been fenced and, hopefully, it never will be. We should agree on the fact that anyone is entitled to do whatever he pleases, in order to "pursue one's happiness," with the only restriction that exercising one's freedom should be done with respect to the state's laws and to the other individuals' personal liberties.

Of course, some may argue that, after September, 11, the citizen's liberties have somewhat been restricted and that fighting terrorism has been used as an excuse to touch essential American rights. However, is this really true? Do we have any hard facts or evidence to back this? I am referring here to actual acts from the government, like restricting the freedom of the press. Obviously, there are no such governmental actions and everything seems to be rather suppositional.