Letters

Changing Values

Posted

Our Declaration of Independence states, “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.” I was brought up believing these words. Who decided to change the values our country was founded upon?

We are not allowed to mention our Creator in public schools, in courts and now even in Congress. When did God become a bad word?

We deprive life to living human beings who are unable to speak or defend for themselves. Decisions are made behind closed doors to usurp the rights of people in order to satisfy the political and economic desires of a vociferous minority.

Our Declaration of Independence warns when a long train of abuses and usurpations occur, it is the right and the duty for the people to stand up and hold our government leaders accountable. Have we forgotten governments are instituted among men and derive their just powers from the consent of the governed?

Were the people consulted about the governor’s bill allowing medical professionals who aren’t even doctors to perform abortions past 24 weeks, or about NYC’s comptroller’s call for the city to be the first in the nation to directly fund abortion care?

Have we forgotten what happened in World War II when people ignored the signs around them? I believe it is not only our right, but our duty, to speak up. We owe it to all who came before us and who hopefully will come after us.

George R. Hopkins
Staten Island