Why is the concept of slavery inconsistent with the American ideals of "Life, liberty, and the pursuit

of happiness'?

The ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are essential to the way of life of America. These ideals are present in the Declaration of Independence, and were meant to guide legislation in the nation.

However, slavery is a clear violation of all these values. Slavery is incompatible with life, as slaveowners could take the life of slaves with impunity, since they were considered to be property. Moreover, slaves were considered slaves the moment they were born, which meant that they never had the opportunity to have a different life. Liberty is clearly incompatible with slavery, as slavery by definition refers to a person who is not free. Finally, a slave could not pursue his own happiness, as his life was completely tied to the desires and interests of his owner.

Slavery is the most brutal, outrageous and direct violation of a person's right to freedom, to a free and good life, and to the pursuit of happinness. Because, how can a person be happy if he or she is made a prisoner of the will of another person, if she or he can't take the main decisions regarding his own life? Slavery is sin and a crime to the eyes of the Lord.