They do not reflect the values of America

[Oliver Clozoff]

Let me clarify...

I'll take minor exception to your position that there is no objective equality. If you do not parse each phrase you quote from the Declaration of Independence as separate and unrelated ideas, the objective equality is clearly defined by the following phrases. And I believe Jefferson understood this. He also was wise enough to understand that equality could not be applied in any rational manner other than this for the very reason you so eloquently state.

Thanks for your response, Bill. My point was that people are inherently not only different but some are by nature of the freak accident of their birth superior or inferior to others. Virtually all human talents and abilities are at least partially affected by genes. Some babies are born healthy, some are born with congenital defects that cause them to die quickly or remain mentally retarded for their entire lives. Socially valuable ablilities like intelligence, musical ability, atheletic ability, and many others aren't equally distributed. I could never, regardless of how hard I practiced become as good at basketball as Michael Jordan or do the kinds of theoretical physics Einstein could.

My point was that, even despite these differences, people should be treated by the law as if these inherent differences didn't exist. In a country that did not follow Jefferson's principle of "All Men are Created Equal" could justify all sorts of practices we'd find abhorrent - for example only allowing education to the most intelligent or denying medical care to babies doomed to die. I try to go by this "as if" principle as a medical student - treat all patients as if they were equal, although sometimes you're treating a wealthy socialite and other times you're treating a baby with AIDS.

Anyway, I'm off to check out the link you posted.

 

[Cheyenne]

I try to go by this "as if" principle as a medical student - treat all patients as if they were equal, although sometimes you're treating a wealthy socialite and other times you're treating a baby with AIDS.

You will be an excellent doctor, Mr. Clozoff.