OT- Independence Day- a suggested reading assignment- OT

lousubcap

Below are the first two and last paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence.  You should read them.  Very powerful writings.  

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world...

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

Happy Birthday USA!

YukonRon

Thank you for sharing. 

These paragraphs you have provided, bring a responsibility to all citizens, to do our part, to protect our country, by making personal sacrifices in the time of tyranny.

I love the Constitution.

Happy Birthday America!

SciAggie

@lousubcap Have a fantastic weekend my friend. Bust out the good bourbon. The reading assignment is appropriate. Everyone needs to read - and absorb - the meaning of those words. They are powerful and hold the hope of our future. I hope we may again reach a time when all our citizens pull together toward a common good for all. 

JohnEggGio

Thanks, @lousubcap

Happy Independence Day!

dbCooper

@lousubcap Thank you for posting that.

Beautiful and powerful words crafted by folks with great wisdom.

Back in the late 90's I had a wonderful manager to work under.  Every July 4th he emailed the full Declaration of Indenpence to our team.  I've read it every 4th since then.  For those interested a copy is here:

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

Botch

dbCooper said:

@lousubcap Thank you for posting that.

Beautiful and powerful words crafted by folks with great wisdom.

Back in the late 90's I had a wonderful manager to work under.  Every July 4th he emailed the full Declaration of Indenpence to our team.  I've read it every 4th since then.  For those interested a copy is here:

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

A buddy of mine got me to read the Constitution every Fourth, although I've missed a few times.  This year would be a good time to make sure I do it again.  (it's a bit longer)  

thetrim

Foghorn

Well played.  Thank you for posting that.