Introduction
The phrase “All men are created equal” has echoed through the halls of American history since it was boldly proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This ideal was enshrined as a cornerstone of the United States Constitution and American values. Yet, for all its lofty promises, this phrase has rung hollow for countless individuals, particularly Black Americans, who were systematically subjugated, enslaved, and classified as “sub-human” for the better part of America’s early history.
The brutal irony of the founding fathers proclaiming equality while simultaneously holding millions of Africans in chains exposes the deep hypocrisy at the heart of the American system. This hypocrisy is not only historical—it persists today, woven into the fabric of U.S. governance, both domestically and internationally.
Historical Context: The Subjugation of Black People
In 1776, when Thomas Jefferson wrote these words, the United States was built on the backs of enslaved Africans. The Constitution, ratified in 1787, further entrenched this inequality with the infamous “Three-Fifths Compromise,” which declared that slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of taxation and representation. Blacks were neither citizens nor equals; they were property.
The hypocrisy of a nation claiming to stand for equality while simultaneously legalizing the ownership and subjugation of human beings is undeniable. This system of racial injustice was codified, nurtured, and perpetuated by lawmakers who claimed to honor the Constitution but flagrantly violated its spirit. From the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 to the Dred Scott decision of 1857—where the Supreme Court declared that Black people “had no rights which the white man was bound to respect“—the notion of equality was a lie, a convenient facade to mask the United States’ practice of tribalism, domination, and exploitation.
The Global Stage: America’s Double Standard
The hypocrisy of “all men are created equal” is not confined to U.S. shores. As the self-proclaimed beacon of democracy, the United States has taken an imperialist role on the world stage, often intervening in other nations’ affairs under the guise of promoting freedom and equality. In reality, these interventions have often been motivated by economic and political interests, involving murder, thievery, deception, and sheer brute force. Whether it’s through military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the overthrow of democratically elected governments in Latin America, or the destabilization of African nations, America’s actions reveal a pattern of tribalism and aggression.
“I have lived the hypocrisy of the American legal system. I watched as prosecutors in Arizona twisted the law, violated my constitutional rights, and used lies to imprison me. They aren’t following the law—they’re using it as a weapon.” – Ewing Redmond Samuels III
This reality is further evident in the United States’ stance on international law. The U.S. often supports international bodies, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), only when it serves their interests. For example, President Trump’s administration rejected the legitimacy of the ICC when it began investigating U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan. At the United Nations General Assembly, Trump brazenly stated that the United States would never submit to an international body that could hold Americans accountable. This, despite their support of the ICC when it targeted other nations for similar crimes. The hypocrisy is blatant: the U.S. demands accountability for others while evading it for its own.
The Lawlessness of U.S. Lawmakers
My personal experiences dealing with U.S. lawmakers illustrate how the very individuals entrusted with upholding the Constitution are among the most lawless actors. The supposed commitment to justice and human rights collapses when scrutinized through the lens of my wrongful conviction and subsequent removal from the United States. The state of Arizona, in particular, engaged in rampant constitutional violations, abusing its power to manipulate legal outcomes, suppress evidence, and obstruct justice.
“America likes to position itself as the world’s moral compass, but in reality, its hands are drenched in the blood of imperialism, theft, and deception. They preach democracy abroad but silence dissent at home. They support international law—until it holds their own citizens accountable.” – Ewing Redmond Samuels III
In my own case, the prosecution ignored my constitutional rights, manipulating witnesses and hiding critical exculpatory evidence. This kind of prosecutorial misconduct is not an isolated incident; it is endemic to the system. Time and time again, we see how lawmakers and state officials wield their authority not for justice, but for domination and control. The idea that the United States upholds the rule of law is a carefully curated myth, with countless examples of lawmakers violating both the Constitution and international human rights standards without consequence.
The government of the United States routinely disregards its obligations under international law, violating human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The U.S. may have ratified the ICCPR, but its actions demonstrate complete disregard for its principles. My wrongful conviction and subsequent removal under these unconstitutional circumstances are proof of that.
The Brutality of Challenge: When the System is Questioned
The United States’ response to any challenge to its system is met with brute force and intimidation. History is riddled with examples of how the U.S. government has used violence and coercion to maintain control, especially when the status quo is threatened. The Civil Rights Movement, the anti-Vietnam protests, and even the recent Black Lives Matter demonstrations all illustrate this reality.
The state’s response is always the same: suppress dissent, demonize those who demand change, and use brute force to maintain power. It is a tribalistic system, bent on domination and control, where “all men are created equal” is nothing more than an empty slogan—unless, of course, you are a member of the privileged class.
Conclusion: The Hypocrisy Must Be Exposed
It’s time for the world to recognize the hypocrisy of the phrase “all men are created equal” as it relates to the American system of governance. The U.S. has built its power on the subjugation of others—both domestically and internationally—while preaching equality and democracy. From its treatment of Black Americans to its imperialist endeavors abroad, the United States has proven that it values power and control over true equality and justice.
The lawlessness of U.S. lawmakers, combined with their consistent violations of both constitutional and international law, exposes the façade that America operates under. My personal experience with the corrupt legal system of Arizona, combined with historical and contemporary examples, reveals a pattern of deception, hypocrisy, and brutality. The United States cannot continue to masquerade as a beacon of equality while perpetuating systems of oppression and injustice. This hypocrisy must be challenged—boldly, truthfully, and relentlessly.
Sources:
- Dred Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. 393 (1857).
- “Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.” U.S. History.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), United Nations.
- Trump, Donald. “Speech to the United Nations General Assembly,” 2018.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
