THE EQUALESTS

The Declaration declares that "all men are created equal". The Constitution (14th Amendment) prohibits State governments from denying anyone equal protection under the law. The 5th Amendment to the Constitution was interpreted to extend that prohibition to the Federal government.

And perhaps most poignantly, the spirit of America is founded in the idea of liberty, justice and equality for ALL It is ingrained in our heritage, and on our monuments.

So why then have we drifted so far from our philosophical roots and not only allow the following inequalities to exist, but promote them as the ideal?

1. Charities pay no real estate or income taxes...which means they get free police and fire and military protection and a host of other government services, free. But alas! they are not provided to the charities free, the rest of us have to pay for them.

2. Ministers and religious organizations are exempt from taxes, thus violating the idea of the separation of church and state by favoring religious activities.

3. Higher income earners pay higher rates of income tax.

4. Some states give nonprofit organizations, including schools, immunity from liability caused by their negligence.

5. Contributions to charities and medical expenses allow some to pay lower taxes than they otherwise would.

6. In some states, homosexuals are not granted the equal right to be married.

7. The present Administration would exempt union members from certain mandatory provisions of its proposed national health care program, thereby denying the rest of us equal protection under the law.

8. Seniors get special tax deductions and exemptions.

9. Adult citizens under specified ages and citizens born outside of the country cannot hold certain government offices.

10. People who are declared bankrupt, though they may have substantial protected assets and subsequently acquire a fortune, no longer have to pay their debts.

11. Punishment for the same offense can vary from court to court and even within the same court.

Attempted explanations of, and excuses for, these unConstitutional inequalites include: "But they are reasonable", "They serve a good end" (the old consequentialist fallacy), "They are needed".

Pulleeze!!!! The only reason these and other inequalities exist is because those who derive benefits from them vote for and keep in office those who bestow those benefits on them. The beneficiaries in bed with the bestowers, while the rest of us shrug and watch.

George Orwell warned "All animals are equal except some animals are more equal than others".

I guess human animals, too.