All Men are Created Equal

By

Bob LaTorre

N.B.   This column was written by Bob in 1988.  Amazing how some issues never change.

The American Declaration of Independence states that “All men are created equal.” The phrase is much more than just a high sounding cliché. It is an expression of one of the underlying principles on which the country was founded.

In today’s world, the idea that “all men are created equal” has become so well accepted that we simply take it for granted. Two hundred years ago that was not the case. At that time and for most of human history, there were great differences in the value of people. It was accepted that one’s worth as a human was measured by one’s station in life, which was itself determined by the circumstances of birth. The aristocrats were what they were because of who their fathers were. The peasants were peasants because they had been born to parents who were peasants. That was that and nothing an individual could do would make any difference. Wealth belonged to a chosen few and the poor were poor, most believed, because that is what God had ordained.

Suddenly, these American colonials decided that God had really made everyone equal. Sometimes we contemporary Americans forget just who it was that came up with this radical idea. Believe me, it was indeed a radical idea at the time. It does not surprise us that the nobility thought that it was a radical concept, but the poor and lower classes were not keen on the idea either.

Well, just who was it that decided to include the phrase “all men are created equal,” in the Declaration. The answer is: some of the wealthiest men in the colonies, the landed gentry, the American aristocracy.

The one thing that makes the American Revolution unique is that it was brought about by the wealthy, landholding class. As a matter of fact, it took great effort by men like Thomas Paine and Patrick Henry to enlist the average citizen to the fight. It can be hard to believe, but the concept of equality of individuals was not one of the lower classes, the poor, reaching up to tear down the rich. It was instead an attempt by the rich to raise all people up to the same level.

Today in America, we find a total disregard for the concept of equality. Everywhere we look there is an attempt to punish achievers. In schools, we put more emphasis on a young person’s ability to throw a round object than we do on his ability to do math. In life we seek to punish anyone who earns more that an average wage. Our tax structure is designed to punish anyone who succeeds. We have been told that if you participate in the American system and you are successful, then you must be a crook. If you are a failure then you must have been cheated by someone, or that somehow “society” has failed to provide for you.

Over and over, we hear that the rich must be made to pay their fair share of the taxes. Why just the rich, escapes me, since all of us share in the benefits of the nation. I find it interesting to note that we seldom hear about just how much of our taxes are paid by whom. We have been hearing about how during the 80s the rich have been given all of the tax breaks. How many people really know who pays the taxes in this country?

Those people, who are in the highest five percent in earnings, the richest of us, pay about 40 percent of all the taxes. To be in that bracket one needs to earn in excess of $50,000. Who earns that much money?  The answer is: many elected officials, some college professors, many professional, city workers with a great deal of overtime, and some construction workers. Yes, of course, let’s not forget the corporate executives. Interestingly enough, many small business people and women do not reach that level of earning.

Here is another kicker – the richest one percent pay about 20 percent of all the taxes. What was that I read in the Declaration about “all men were created equal.” Sounds to me like some people are created more equal than others. Speaking of others, how much of the taxes do they pay? Those of us in the bottom half of the income scale currently pay about 16 percent of the taxes.

While I do not personally believe that it is possible to have it both ways, that is to declare everyone equal and at the same time have a tax policy that advocates soaking the rich. I guess we have done just that. In addition to the taxes paid, I have noted that when it comes to charity, it is always the richest people to whom we turn. In all of the agencies where I have worked, I always find the people in the areas with the most money at board meetings. It is they who we call upon to reach out to others with money. And they usually come through.

Next time you hear someone say that the rich do not pay their fair share, you can believe it and the thought should give you….a rosy glow.