Equality vs. Liberty

Society in the United States is highly divided. Various minority groups are demanding "equality" in one form or another. Equality can mean equal material goods and income, equal social status, equal education, equal general success and happiness in life, etc. Or, it can mean equality under the law, which is in a different and higher category. Equality before the law is essential to liberty in political society. Equality of property, education, power, etc. do not occur naturally and would require a great amount of regulation and coercion to achieve and sustain.

Liberty can be defined as the absence of coercion or control by others. The right of an individual to do whatever they choose with their life or property so long as they do not directly harm others. On the other hand, broad inequalities naturally exist at birth and throughout life. This fact has been evident throughout the ages for as long as humans have existed. To correct inequalities by laws, regulations and coercion inherantly conflicts with the concept of Liberty. A concept upon which our nation was founded.

Look at the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution or any of the twenty seven amendments. The word "equality" does not appear in any of these documents. The Declaration of Independence does mention "all men are created equal" under the law. It goes on to say that "liberty" is an unalienable right. It also says that "whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it".

No one will dispute the fact that everyone isn't equal at birth. Some are men; others are women, some onetaller than others, some blonde and others brunette, etc. Such inequalities cannot be changed. Even if everyone (hypothetically) could be born exactly the same, they would inevitably develop differences as they grow up and are exposed to different physical, social and political environments. Free societies, by their very nature, are diverse and influence many people in countless different ways. If one tried to preserve equality, they would need to have very tight controls over all of the influences on every indiviidual. This would simply be impossible and completely opposed to the fundamental ideas of freedom and liberty. If a society is truly free, then a high degree of diversity will naturally exist and different individuals will choose different paths and different outcomes for good or for worse.

Liberty and freedom are high ideals. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were created to give the people a framework within which to accomplish those ideals. If it works properly, the government will treat everyone fairly and equally under the rule of law. And, to preserve liberty, those laws can not restrict or coerce. In a sense, the less there are restrictions and coercion the more there is freedom.