Reading the “Left Said, Right Said” opinion pieces in the Nexus today, I was appalled at conservative columnist Ben Parish’s thoughts on the state of our union. Yes, good sir, we have come a long way from the days when founding fathers settled debates in duels. The holiday we all just enjoyed is another reminder of a day we have overcome — one of racism, bigotry and hate.

Well, at least we claim to have overcome that day. However, society in general — and politics, specifically — serves as a breeding ground for ill-wishing, slandering and mudslinging based on race, sex, sexual orientation and beliefs… But perhaps we should ignore the inequalities of today, seeing as we have overcome slavery, the days when women were property, anti-sodomy laws and stoning those who disagree with us.

On the contrary, I say we should stand up and cry, “But we have not come far enough!” Racial slavery has given way to classist slavery in which the lower serves the upper and gets nowhere and anti-sodomy laws have given rise to laws banning same-sex couples from adopting children, who are then condemned to remain in physically and sexually abusive foster homes.

Just because we are imperfect people living in an imperfect world does not mean we do not share the responsibility of trying our damndest to make the world a safe, healthy and equal place for all. I don’t want to live in a world where everyone “brings a gun to the fight [every time]” because they expect that everyone else will as well.