Question

document b
... that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...
source: steve greenberg, march 27, 2010
i believe 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... plus health care.
source: andrew sullivan, \life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,\ this i believe, national public radio, july 4, 2008.
i believe in life. i believe in treasuring it as a mystery... that should never be destroyed.
i believe in liberty. i believe that within every soul lies the ability to reach for its own good... i believe in a system of government that places liberty at the center of its concerns... i believe in the right to own property and to maintain it.
i believe in the pursuit of happiness. not its attainment, nor its final definition, but its pursuit. i believe in the journey, not the arrival...
document analysis

1. which of the four beliefs is the focus of this document?
2. in the cartoon, who is adding the words \plus health care\ to the declaration of independence?
3. why do you think sullivan says he believes in the pursuit of happiness, rather than happiness itself? do you agree with him?
4. is it possible for a society to achieve equality without liberty?
5. can a society achieve liberty without equality? explain.
6. how might you use this document to argue that the unalienable right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness is the most important ideal in the declaration of independence?

Explanation:

1. The focus is on the belief in the pursuit of happiness as it is elaborated upon in the text.
2. Bruce Girard is adding "plus Health - Care" to the Declaration of Independence as shown in the source note.
3. Sullivan may believe in the pursuit rather than happiness itself because the journey of striving for it can be more meaningful and continuous, and it allows for an ongoing process rather than a fixed - end state.
4. Equality without liberty may be difficult as liberty provides the freedom for individuals to pursue equality. Without the freedom to act, advocate, and participate, achieving true equality can be hindered.
5. Liberty without equality may lead to a situation where some can use their freedom to oppress others. Equality provides a framework for fair distribution of rights and opportunities within a free society.
6. One could use this document to argue that the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness is the most important ideal as it encompasses fundamental aspects of human existence and well - being. The pursuit of happiness is a driving force in life, and liberty is necessary to pursue it, while life is the foundation for both.

Answer:

1. The belief in the pursuit of happiness.
2. Bruce Girard.
3. The journey of pursuit is more meaningful than the end - state of happiness.
4. It may be difficult as liberty is needed to pursue equality.
5. Liberty without equality can lead to oppression.
6. It encompasses fundamental aspects of human existence and well - being.