https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e By Avery Seaman en-us 2020-12-18 17:40:15 UTC 2020-12-18 18:53:39 UTC hello@padlet.com avery_seaman https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e/wish/1032113527 Without equality and justice, freedom is subjective. If the "Liberty and justice for all" that we pledge every morning doesn't actually apply to everyone, then why are we saying it? A black, lesbian woman should be shown the same amount of respect and given the same opportunities as a white, straight man. People love to say how America is so great and free, but half of those people won't recognize that our justice system still presents awful biases, that result in innocent black lives being thrown in jail or executed because the court sees white as right. The Founding Fathers wrote in the Declaration of Independence, “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…”, and while at first glance this statement seems like a good thing, it's nowhere near that. The Founding Fathers were talking about equality for all white men. Not women, not homosexuals, not Native Americans, not ANYONE that simply looked different from them. Not black people, because they wouldn't even consider them PEOPLE. And to think that some people are so incredibly ignorant to the fact that this country was built on stolen land and discrimination is disgusting. We have conquered many barriers since then, but that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone is treated equally today. Part of this problem stems from the way our government was built, and part of it comes from racists, homophobes, misogynists, and other cruel people. In conclusion, we need equality and justice for all to really have freedom in America. ]]> 2020-12-18 17:55:57 UTC https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e/wish/1032113527 avery_seaman https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e/wish/1032226169 As the people, our first amendment tells us that we have the freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition. So, if a group of citizens feels that their rights are being put at stake by a new bill being proposed, then they have very right to petition that bill, and do everything in their ability to not get it passed. The people also need to pay attention to senate elections. If you don't care about these elections, then you're saying that you don't care who your two senators are in your state. These senators voices and opinions can very well determine if things get done in Congress or not. Moving on, if you see unjust acts taking place in our country, you have the freedom to protest. ]]> 2020-12-18 18:26:29 UTC https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e/wish/1032226169 avery_seaman https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e/wish/1032251950 In our country, everyone has the freedom to practice whatever religion they please. People shouldn't be seen as terrorists or unkind because of what religion they are a part of. James Madison didn't agree with this at all, and made the statement, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion," which is quite threatening to our freedom. We should never feel scared to express our beliefs. ]]> 2020-12-18 18:33:30 UTC https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e/wish/1032251950 avery_seaman https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e/wish/1032285400 Something that we the people can do in the U.S. to exercise our freedom is vote in elections. Voting is so important, and if there's low voter turnout it can be detrimental. The election in November had the highest voter turnout ever. Around 161 million Americans voted this year. Adult citizens have the freedom to be the change that they want to see every four years by doing something as simple as casting a ballot. Depending on which candidate you vote for, you could potentially be threatening a multitude of citizen's freedom.]]> 2020-12-18 18:42:17 UTC https://padlet.com/avery_seaman/vcsps1cp4d1v9u9e/wish/1032285400