The Declaration of Independence cements the idea that "all men are created equal" that we have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The Constitution, post reconstruction amendments, guarantees equal treatment under law, extends the obligations of citizenship to all those born in this country regardless of their race or gender (post 19th).

We haven't always lived up those ideals nor can we say we are fully living up to them today.

Let's look at a specific example.

In 1954, in a seminal study on political tolerance Samuel Stouffer found that only 37 percent of Americans felt an atheist should be allowed to speak. Just 12 percent said an atheist should be allowed to teach. Heck, 6 percent said a communist should be allowed to teach (27 percent said they should allowed to speak).

Why were (are) we okay with denying atheist or a communist their first amendment right? Or deny them access to the profession of their choice (if so qualified)?