I am an American. This country was founded on the principle that all people are created equal. As an American, I value this principle and will fight to defend it. This country is great because it guarantees those rights. That is why women are now able to vote, because that is their right. That is why slavery was abolished, because every man, woman and child has the right to be free.
The laws once prohibited women from voting. The laws once allowed slavery. The laws once separated races. The laws were unjust and unfair and they had to be changed. Right now we are fighting to legalize same sex marriages. I have no doubt this topic will meet with strong objections just like those who objected to the Emancipation Proclamation. Yet, I maintain hope. Historically, there is a trend in this nation that is moving toward the light of equality and away from the darkness of discrimination, prejudice and self-righteousness.
Same-sex marriages will be recognized in this country — if not this election, then somewhere down the road. Our country is built on the foundation of freedom. We are constantly removing the restrictions to ensure those freedoms. I would like to conclude with a famous quote I heard somewhere. I forgot the first part, but it ends, “With liberty and justice for …”
Now, how does it go?
— Kent Purser
Asheville
