"The American Constitution does resemble the Spanish Inquisition in this:that it is founded on a creed. America is the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed. That creed is set forth with dogmatic and even theological lucidity in the Declaration of Independence....It enunciates that all men are equal in their claim to justice, that governments exist to give them that justice, and that their authority is for that reason just....The point is that there is a creed, if not about divine, at least about human things."
I believe what Chesterton is saying here is that the natural human rights, liberty and equality is preserved in America by law. The American constitution upholds the founding principles of the Declaration of Independence in that the inherent right of self Government are not only applicable to Americans but to people everywhere. Comparing the American Constution to the Spanish Inquisition relates to the fact that America invites all men to become citizens in order to enjoy these basic rights. However, as Chesterton later explained this approach is essential to securing the liberty of all citizens and the many who come to America seeking the same.
I chose this quote because as an immigrant it so simply explains why myself and so many others sought to come to this land. Least it be forgotten or taken for granted after many years - as is so often the case - we need to be grounded in the pricciples of human liberty and in its sense of justice.
