Your homework: Before you make the cole slaw, before you baste the spare ribs, before you pack the lawn chairs for the fireworks display, take a few minutes to read the full text of our Declaration of Independence. Discuss.
Like all sacred scripture, it’s got something for everyone in today’s America. I read it as anti-tyrant, pro-good-government [with my proud liberal bias] . My reading says good government…
- is representative of the people [not remote multi-national corporations whose board rooms are inaccessible to us];
- doesn’t obstruct laws needed for the public good [memo to the U.S. Senate];
- doesn’t swarm into our homes [privacy];
- makes sure the military is subject to civil power [President trumps generals];
- assures the right to sue and to have jury trials [no matter who you are];
- provides a path to citizenship for foreigners [will anyone bring that up today?];
- …among other cool things that reject lofty, remote, insensitive, and cruel governance.
It’s a courageous document, containing a lot of enduring wisdom. The clanks (that nasty statement about Native Americans and the document’s lack of prescience about women sharing men’s rights and responsibilities) show that it was a document of its times — which makes it more interesting, I guess, and why we love delving into its implications still.
Here’s to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!
Great reading and understanding, love it.
Very good article and all should read this. We are all good Americans.