"Loyalty to the principles upon which our Government rests positively demands that the equality before the law which it guarantees to every citizen should be justly and in good faith conceded in all parts of the land"

- President Grover Cleveland, Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1893

"Equal and exact justice to all persons of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political...freedom of person under the protection of the law; and trial by juries impartially selected. These principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us, and guided our steps.... They should be the creed of our political faith -- the text of civil instruction – the touchstone by which to try the services of those we trust."

- President Thomas Jefferson

Shouldn't the state lead the way in equality of benefits?