The most famous line in the Declaration of Independence reads as follows: “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.”

Virginia’s junior U.S. senator Tim Kaine takes exception to that view.

In a humanistic age in which an increasing number of Americans don’t believe in God, does Kaine have a point? If human rights don’t come from God (or other deity), where do they come from? Conservatives like Senator Ted Cruz have attacked Kaine for the statement, the context of which is missing in this clip (and which readers are encouraged to provide). Whatever prompted Kaine to present this argument, it is consistent with humanistic principles and undoubtedly represents the views of many. Feel free to debate in the comments. (To reach the comments, click on the headline then scroll to the bottom of the page. — JAB