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 to 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.
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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 the 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.
The Declaration of Independence was primary written by Thomas Jefferson was signed on July 4, 1776 (duh, I sure hope you learned that in elementary school). These Founding Fathers of the United States weren't stupid people. They were educated in science, history, and philosophy. They spent years clashing over how to conduct business. But one thing that was certain--that this would be a limited government founded upon the Judeo-Christian view of Natural Law--that all men get their rights from God, not flawed human beings.
Think about it. These were well-to-do men that risked losing everything to declare independence. After fighting a uphill battle for eight brutal years (the Revolutionary War), they got it. But instead of usurping power for themselves, they wrote the United States Constitution with the specific purpose of limiting their authority...like the Bill of Rights and the three branches of government. It was the government that feared the people, not the other way around. Think about the song Won't Get Fooled Again--how many tyrannies does mankind have to endure before they get the hint that this isn't working??
It is no surprise that the US of A has gone from a scattered bunch of colonies to the top world power in less than 200 years. Yes, I know that have been kinks along the way because mankind is imperfect (the Civil War & slavery), but tell me we couldn't get here without this Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.
So don't just sit there playing your stupid video games, be thankful that we have the USA, the most benevolent nation in the world. Well things may be different today but that doesn't mean we can't observe this holiday. Now let's take a page out of their book while we're at it...come on America, don't lose faith just yet.
If you're not from the US, please don't take this as offensive...I like other countries but I love the USA.
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