The Unites States of America states in the Declaration of Independence that "We hold 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." When this was written women did not have the right to vote and slavery was still present. Gays and lesbians were not even referred to at this time. It was simply unheard of. In the twenty-first century women have gained many rights in society and the role of women has changed tremendously. Slavery has also been abolished and the United States has come a long way with creating equality within society. The most current issue today deals with gay and lesbian marriage. I think that everyone should have the freedom to do as they please and "pursue happiness" as they see it. Who are we to judge others and tell them that the person they love is not their partner? Those who do not agree with this uni0n have their perosnal beliefs that they value and chose to follow. Change is never easy and that is why the traditional concept of husband and wife joined by marriage is the only accepted union. I have a lot of gay friends and I think it is so sad that they have to hide their sexuality from their parents. They are basically living a lie because they feel their parents would disown them. I have met a lot of people from the caribbean that are so intolerant of gays which I thought was really shocking. I thought it was more of an older generation issue of acceptance. I do not agree with the lifestyle myself but I think it is unfair not to allow them to have the same opportunites. Eventually I think there will be laws made accepting the union of gay and lesbian couples. But change takes time. I also think it is ridicuolous that there was an amendment passed in Arkansas prohibiting single individuals from adopting a child in order to prevent homosexuals from adopting children. There are people out there who do not deserve to be parents and if there is someone who can provide a child with a loving home then that shold not be taken away because they are not straight. People cannot help who they love and if they can find happiness with someone who cares who it is. It is their life. People need to get over it and move on. There are bigger problems in the world and just because they are prevented from getting married does not make them dissapear. It is just unfair and unreasonable.