General Discussion

By "either" are you referring to democracy and rule of all "in more than the most aspirational sentiment?"

My answer is an unequivocal YES.

These aspirations expressed by men of the 18th century Enlightment were written in the Declaration of Independence then codified in our Constitution.

Were those original documents perfect at their inception, or put into practice to match the highest aspirations? HELL NO.

Almost nothing in this realm is all or nothing. It is a matter of degrees, improved upon at times with some major setbacks. The sins against Blacks, Native Americans, and other groups have been horrendus. No document, law, or legislation can change human nature. Those who possess wealth and power have always sought more, actively manipulating the public to keep them ignorant and turn people against each other.

I do not make excuses for any of it, but to state the reality of the complex imperfect country and world we live in. I was born a month before the Russians launched Sputnick, so I have some experience. My parents and the aunt who helped raise me were of the WW2 generation and hardcore lefties back in the day, active in the labor and civil rights movements.

Progress has been made, but it has always been a struggle. Our political/electoral system is highly dysfunctional, infused with Big Money. Public perception is influenced by corporate media owned by oligarchs, and by religion twisted to foster bigotry and serve mammon.

Our current president and congressional majority is the gravest threat to our democracy and Constitutional rule of law since the Civil War -- but we are not ruled by a king. Nor are we North Korea, Iran, Russia, China, etc. Millions of Americans are still putting their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on the line to make those highest aspirations as much of a reality as can be in this complex difficult world.

Abject cynicism and condemnation of our entire history ignores all the hard work, sacrifice, and real progress which has been made. The arc of the moral universe is long, and people are still bending it towards justice.