Equal Opportunity

Arguably, it is one of the most famous sentiments ever expressed in a government document" "All men are created equal......" This appeared in the United States' Declaration of Independence as penned by the country's first secretary of state and third president, Thomas Jefferson. The words and their meaning remain as powerful today as they were when first expressed. In fact, it seems fitting to reflect on this passage in the Declaration as America approaches its 241st birthday even though, at the time of its writing, not all persons were viewed as being equal due to the newly-formed country's acceptance of slavery. 

It is important to note that while the U.S. still has serious problems regarding race and equality, without question opportunity in the country is better than ever. But one example of inequality revolves around communication. More to the point, are all voices created equal? When persons speak or send out messages of some sort, are they heard equally? Do they have the same impact? Further, do people have equal opportunity to communicate? The answer to the first two questions is "no," but "yes" to the third.Obviously, whatever I might communicate - such as in this blog entry - has no where near the impact of, say, any of President Trump's tweets. To say the least, there is little interest in my entries but much in what the President has to express.

Comparing the impact that the sentiments of an ordinary citizen with those of the President of the United States is no doubt unfair. But what is worth noting is that my opportunity to speak out and be heard by potentially thousands if not millions of others is real. In theory and perhaps in practice, my voice can make a difference. Such is the case for all of us. When it comes to communication, equal opportunity in the U.S. is very much alive. As a result, as America adds another candle to its most impressive birthday cake, it is that I celebrate. To me, at least, it is no small thing.