Fireworks

I watched the first two episodes of the John Adams HBO series the other night, which made the loud booms from the fireworks a few blocks away seem like so much background noise to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As I pondered the scene where Jefferson, Franklin and Adams went over the wording in the Declaration of Independence, Franklin changing the language to "It is self evident" from what he deemed Jefferson's version that sounded as if it was from a pulpit, I began to think about inalienable rights. And I've thought about them since.

Something was bothering me about inalienable and unalienable rights. Because, I began to think, lots of people don't get to the point where they can exercise them. Although they do have them, since they are innate rights, part of being human.

It's a conundrum that I've been playing in my head ever since. For the last quarter of a century, I've done work where I've met people from every corner of life, heard their stories , listened to their lives. I've spoken with people in nursing homes and other institutions who could be living in the community if it weren't for economic issues or lack of programs. I've spoken to people with disabilities who can't get jobs, although well qualified. I've spoken to people with disabilities who can't get transportation or housing, who can't pursue happiness the way most of us assume we can. And I've spoken to those who live in poverty, who spend their entire being surviving. Some do not expect to be treated as humans, sadly.

There's that language about the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I couldn't help it- I began to think about various individuals and apply each of those rights and it just didn't mesh.

I wrote a poem about in alienable and un alienable rights. But getting to the heart of the matter will take more. I can't wash away all those years of conversations. Nor can I wash away this feeling.

I don't think the fireworks in my town are over this July 4th, as I continue to ponder this.