Op-Ed | American Child

People Are Not Property: An America First Perspective on McKenna West

Martin Gillespie August 26, 2026

Originally published by Townhall

Two hundred and fifty years ago, our nation was founded on three defining principles: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They remain, to this day, the cornerstone of the American Dream. Throughout our history, prominent America First voices and government leaders have steered public policy to reflect these principles. Yet among them, the right to life is foundational — for without life, neither liberty nor the pursuit of happiness can exist.

Recognizing this principle, President Thomas Jefferson made the following statement as he was completing his second term as president in 1809: “The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government.” Even while our nation has never perfectly lived up to these ideals, it continues to be our true north. From the womb to the tomb — whether you are black, white, brown, rich, or poor — all life matters.

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