This contradicts the opening of the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes all humans as possessing rights:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Lots of lofty goals have been written on paper - when people take them seriously, they are even worth something.

The pendulum swings.