CLEVELAND, July 2 — The following is a statement issued by BLET National President Don M. Hahs in celebration of our nation’s 228th birthday:
“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.”
When these words were written 228 years ago, our nation’s Founding Fathers believed that they could create a nation like none other in which these words were true — that all men truly could be equal.
Sadly, their dream has not yet come true, even in the 21st century. In this country where all men — all humans — should be equal, we see that this is not yet reality. In this nation, we see that the chasm of inequality between the rich and the poor is widening. We see working men and women falling further behind while the richest simply add to their wealth.
This trend has been magnified and accelerated in the past four years. For four years, the working men and women in this country of supposed “equals” have languished under an administration which has turned its back to their needs. We have seen much needed reforms ended, we have seen safety in the workplace eroded. All because of an administration that has chosen corporate profits over workers rights.
The outcome of the race between President Bush and Senator John Kerry for President and the Congressional elections could turn the tide of this nation for years to come. If we can elect Senator Kerry and get a Democratic Congress elected, we could see an era when all men and women can begin to close the chasm of inequality and move toward true equality. Working family issues would be back at the forefront where they belong.
If we don’t succeed, working families will continue to suffer. For nearly four years, the nation’s workers have toiled under an oppressive environment of inequality created by the Bush administration. 44 million Americans lack medical coverage. Three million private-sector jobs have been lost since President Bush took office in January 2001, and millions more workers are concerned about their deteriorating pensions, health benefits and ability to make ends meet.
In November, we get a chance to decide whether we will become a country of equals or whether we will become a nation where the economic inequity reigns. The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence chose equality, and, hopefully, 228 years later equality will reign again.
I would like to wish you and your families a happy Fourth of July.