Monday, July 4, 2011

Independence: All Men Are Created Equal?


Righteous:  acting in accord with divine or moral law.
Rightful:  having a just or legally established claim.

© Merriam Webster 2011


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

- Preamble, The United States Declaration of Independence, 1776 


Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a celebration [and federal holiday] in the United States to recognize the Declaration of Independence of 1776.  A statement was adopted by the Continental Congress declaring that thirteen American colonies [then at war with Great Britain], were now independent states, no longer a part of the British Empire. 

Thomas Jefferson wrote this declaration stating that July 4th become the birth of America. The signed document is on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.  The main components of this document, beside the Preamble, are grievances against King George III, including the right of revolution. 


Abraham Lincoln considered this declaration to be the foundation of his philosophy. The document has been utilized to promote rights of minority groups, basic human rights, and as moral standards that Americans live and abide by.


Are you, American citizen, practicing and applying these simple moral codes?

  • - creating all men equal
  • - recognizing endowment of one's Creator
  • - allowing others, as well as self, to pursue life, liberty, happiness

Every American citizen rightfully and righteously should have been able to answer the above question with a resounding, "YES!"


This document is the cornerstone of the DIVERSITY that is all of the PEOPLE of the United States of America. It was put into effect to create a union, not a separation.  


Until we, America, learn how to treat ourselves and one another with respect, acceptance, love, kindness and compassion; then we, Americans, cannot accept this declaration as independence. 


This document was drafted to unite us as people, to progress us as a nation, for ourselves and for the world, and to be free from any rule that does not speak for the NATION of the PEOPLE of the United States of America. 


If you honestly have answered YES to the above question, you rightfully and righteously own this declaration.


As an American citizen, owning such declaration, the Preamble further states: 


  • "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed [that is us, people.] 



  • 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."



READ THAT AGAIN. 


Regardless of how America came to be, who rightfully owned this land, those who were brought here under duress, the current state of the world, actions of the United States government and governments therein, and regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, and culture:


If you are indeed an America citizen, RIGHT NOW, the Declaration of Independence belongs to YOU.  



WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH IT? 



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