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Liberty for All

letters so far.

How those without tickets saw the Liberty Medal in 2002

View photos of the 2002 ceremony.

Philadelphia's Liberty Medal is supposed to honor our shared belief as Americans that everyone, and not just the privileged few, deserves the "the blessings of liberty". Every fourth of July City officials and Sunoco Welcome America put on a hell of a show to honor those men and women who have made their part of the world a freer, fairer place. But what about our part of the world? How important is it an event that honors fairness itself be fair? Specifically:

1. In an event that honors the principle that the fruits of freedom should be available to all, why are tickets now required and why are so few tickets--just 600--available to the public?
2. In an event that honors our belief that everyone should be treated fairly and equally why did 1,400 of 2,000 tickets go to VIPs last year?
3. In an event that celebrates the notion that those in charge should deal honestly and forthrightly with their fellow citizens, why has advance publicity for the past two years failed to mention that tickets are required or how and where to get them?

Four things you can do

1. Tell elected officials to open the Liberty Medal to the public and eliminate the ticket requirement!
2. Join the Liberty for All Committee. The Committee is seeking the elimination of the ticket requirement for this event.
3. Join this email list for news and discussion on the Liberty Medal.
4. Read letters others have written.