Today is Independence Day in the United States. A celebration of freedom.

“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.”

Beautiful words.

To whom do they apply?

In 1776 and for generations beyond, these words had less resonance for the enslaved, for women, and for non-whites.

To borrow from Orwell, “All people are equal, but some people are more equal than others.”

The promise of equality is a promise not yet fully delivered. A project still in progress.

* * *

It’s a tall order, but as citizens of any country, our job is more than just to laud its ideals. It’s to know our history and to work tirelessly to right wrongs and to create systems and cultures that live up to the ideals we hold so dear.

Knowing a credo is not enough. We must live it, and build it where we are able.