U.S. failing to live up to our principles

When the 13 colonies declared their independence from England in the Declaration of Independence the following foundation principles were set forth, "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."

Until this country defeats COVID-19, we as a people are being denied these "unalienable rights." The thousands who die before COVID-19 is defeated will certainly be denied their unalienable right to life. Whenever anyone dies from COVID-19, untold others suffer that loss.

Also, our liberty is being greatly curtailed by the fear of contracting this potentially deadly disease. Millions of Americas are now basically living under house arrest. I do not call that any kind of liberty. As for the pursuit of happiness, can that be achieved without risking infection?

We should be fully engaged in a war to defeat this unseen enemy and utilize all of the resources of our country. Is every facility capable of producing a safe and effective vaccine producing the vaccine at maximum capacity? Is every available means of transporting and distributing the vaccine safely being employed? Do we have to nationalize our pharmacies to get the job done now?

I certainly do not have the answers to solve this problem but others may.

Sanford Solomon

Buffalo Grove