What Fitzhugh Could Never Understand....

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The families with developmental disabilities on the Waiting List face opposition when it comes to procuring funds on behalf of the state of Maryland. George Fitzhugh, a Virginia lawyer, pushed for civil rights to stay out of the hands of African Americans. His opinion on the natural rights of men could be applied to the Waiting List Campaign.

In his argument, Fitzhugh writes that “men are not born physically, morally, or intellectually equal.” This is an obvious truth, one that every person can agree upon based on reason. Fitzhugh points out some examples of the differences people may have—strong vs. weak, brave vs. timid, amiable vs. wicked, etc. With regards to people with developmental disabilities, often times, when people see someone with a disability, they automatically note the physical difference; they notice what they can’t do. Because they focus all their attention on of how these individuals are unlike their own self, they fail to take into account the vast number of things they have in common, most basically, the simple right of being treated as a human being, one that is no different from you or I. While some people may feel that services should be provided to ensure the basic rights of citizens with a developmental disability, others, like Fitzhugh, would argue that their rights as citizens are different from our rights as citizens because of the natural difference between the two kinds of people.

Fitzhugh would also argue that government institutions shouldn’t be responsible for taking care of its’ citizens that lack the same skills and abilities as all the rest. He writes, “No institutions can prevent the few from acquiring rule and ascendency over the many. Liberty and free competition invite and encourage the attempt of the strong to master the weak; and insure their success.” Those who are naturally stronger and intellectually superior will stand out amongst the rest as leaders. Why should they have to worry about those who don’t measure up to the same standards? Fitzhugh would mention our economic instability a evidence enough to refuse funding a program like the Waiting List Campaign because it would waste money that could be going to beefing up the capitalist market, an institution that supports the strongest, most competitive businessmen getting ahead.

While Thomas Jefferson might have said, “that all men are created equal,” Fitzhugh would have a problem with admitting this to be true, across the board. He would not consider someone with a developmental disability to be of equal standing with regards to civic rights because of their inherent and apparent differences. Unfortunately, even though we may have progressed, today, there may still be people who feel that it isn’t their responsibility or duty to take care of those who are unable to take care of themselves.

Ignorance, intolerance, and indifference are a daily apart of our lives. Yet, even in the midst of opposition, we can find hope. We must ALWAYS remain positive!