What Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Did Not Include as “Unalienable Rights”

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.

Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson, the brilliant author of the historic Declaration of Independence affirmed specifically in writing what must be considered as “unalienable Rights.” James Madison added the first 10 Amendments to the United States Constitutions, which added other rights of “we the people.”

What neither Jefferson nor Madison listed, but which must also be included though not limited to the following, are the human and civil right and freedom:

to affordable and comprehensive lifelong healthcare
to control one’s own body including reproductive care and treatment
to affordable prescription drugs
to paid parental leave
to affordable childcare and eldercare
to a comfortable and productive retirement
to unlimited and unrestricted access to knowledge
to free government supported public education pre-kindergarten through college and university graduate programs
to love whomever one loves and to marriage equality
to equitable access to public services and accommodations
to affordable gender confirmation medical procedures on request
to a strictly defined separation of government from religion
to safe and effective consumer protections of all kinds
to independent and representative labor unions and collective bargaining
to an annual living wage and an equitable and fair income and wealth without the massive gaps between individuals and families
to equitable and fair tax policies free from loopholes
to clean air, clean water, and a clean overall environment free from toxic fossil fuels and chemical deposits
to affordable and sustainable clean energy sources
to safe streets and communities free from fear of injury or death from firearms (NO, the ownership of firearms is NOT an unalienable right)
to freedom of movement and crossing of state and national borders and a humane path to citizenship
to a police system that guards the rights and lives of all lawfully engaged people regardless of background and just and humane consequences for transgressors
to an equitable system of justice
to public economic and social safety net programs for anyone in need
to safe and affordable housing
to easy access in free and fair elections within non-gerrymandered districts
to appropriate and comprehensive governmental regulations on business and industry that protects the community and common good
to the truth
to thought and self-expression
to privacy
to go to the outer limits of one’s potential
to define oneself
to a vibrant democratic system
to live in full peace and security interconnected in a world community of nations

There is a concept in the Jewish tradition known as Tikkun Olam – meaning to transform, heal, and repair the world so that it becomes a more just, peaceful, nurturing, and perfect place.

Let us go out into our lives and practice Tikkun Olam. Let us transform and liberate ourselves and the world.

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This Post is republished on Medium.

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