The foundation of our country is freedom. The Declaration of Independence clearly states “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.” Is that what’s happening?

So much has happened this year; the deaths of George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, riots and assaults on and by the police. It is hard to figure out what is true and what to believe. The golden rule should come into play when we try to decide what is right; treat others the way you want to be treated. We do things not just through our actions but through our words every day without thinking. That is not OK. When you decide who’s in the right (and there might not always be one) think about how you would like to be treated.

That is why I am writing. I do not have dark skin but I believe that we were all created equally and that God loves us all whether we are pale, dark, or brown. I also believe we were all created in God’s own likeness and should treat everyone like they matter. We should look out for those who don’t necessarily look or act like us.

Black lives matter. White lives matter. All lives matter. We should stand up for all our neighbors whether they are black or white, have different beliefs or looks. Be an example for others. Treat everyone equally no matter what social standing they hold, where they are from, how they look, what gender they are, who they love, or what beliefs they have, because that is what God calls us to do.

IZZY SZYMANSKI,

Alpena