There has been a lack of freedom since the beginning of our history. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights was written by well-meaning men who because of their religion and education didn't truly realize that black people were human beings. Many, including at least one president, fathered children from their female slaves.
Various religious sects have disavowed one another from the beginning. Catholics were feared and mistreated until Kennedy was elected.
We screwed the Native Americans and many Mexicans out of their land. The only people who realized the American dream, until about 60 years ago, were white protestant males.
This is a great country and I love it, but it is not the one I really wish for.
We need to get religion out of politics. Religious faith has, and still is, killing more people than most serious epidemics.
We need to start, here and around the world, an educational system that teaches the "big bang" and evolution are real. When mankind accepts the fact that the supernatural start of this universe and mankind, is not the God of the Torah, the Koran, the Bible, or the Book of Mormon, we may be on the way to peace.
It is going to happen. Unfortunately it will take generations and millions more will die for their faith before it does.
HONESTY and FAITH are not compatible.
Larry J. Kluth (Lt. Col.USAF RET.)