“Independence Day” And The Declaration of Independence
Posted: Monday, June 11, 2007
by David Tanguay
“Yankee Doodle" is a well-known American song often sung patriotically today. It is also the state anthem of Connecticut The first verse and refrain, as often sung today, run thus:
Yankee Doodle went to town, A-Riding on a pony; He stuck a feather in his hat, And called it macaroni Yankee Doodle, keep it up, Yankee Doodle dandy; Mind the music and the step, And with the girls be handy!
With the 4th. of July approaching (or Independence Day) we will have our traditional and annual parades, a few political speeches will be made and of course fire works galore. As we reflect on that day back in 1776 when we declared our independence from Great Britain. The best-known phrase in any of America’s political documents, as the idea it expresses is generally considered the foundation of American democracy. It appears in the opening of the American Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 , as follows:
"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"
The same sentiment appears in the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780, which predates the U.S. Constitution by seven years, and was the first of its kind in the world. 1780 also marks the first time in America that such wording was used to successfully argue against slavery in a court of law Brom and Bett VS Ashley
Declaring the equality of all men did not, however, prevent the United States from continuing the widespread practice of slavery. However, President Abraham Lincoln relied on the Declaration of Independence when making the case that slavery went against the deepest commitments of the American nation. Though he did so throughout the 1850s and into his presidency, the most famous example can be found in the Gettysburg Address:
“Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."
The phrase was also quoted by Martin Luther King Jr. in his famous I Have a Dream speech, as the "creed" of the United States:
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
“Man is the only animal for whom his own existence is a problem which he has to solve." Erich Fromm
Our founding fathers did indeed try to establish a union that would secure the rights of the people to dissent. For wherever we find injustice in any established laws (including our constitution) it is only proper to act within our system to make amends to those whom have been victims of a grave injustice.
Although to abolish slavery in our nation, did in fact take a war within our own, nation to bring into reality those very words inscribed in the Declaration of Independence. After the Union’s victory and the emancipation proclamation signed by President Lincoln took affect this did not of course end all hostility or bring about a friendly atmosphere between all blacks and whites. No written word in any documents or constitution established by any country anywhere in the world, or any spiritual inscriptions including the Bible, Koran, or any other religious doctrines can actually change what is in an individual’s heart.
Assassinations of many great men who tried to make a difference either in the past or present has always been a way to eliminate a threat to the source of all evil in any political process in any part of the world.
All right, I too as a child stood in the parades waving proudly the American flag to commemorate our own Independence Day. I was proud and patriotic only to me it wasn’t a way of conforming to an established ritual. I really felt a love for my country deep down in my heart and soul.
This was back in the ’50s my father was to old to serve in WW 11 however most of my friend’s fathers served during the war. Just reading my school history books would inspire a deep bond I felt within me in regards to my country. I remember coming home from school and sitting at the supper table talking to my mother so enthusiastically, about how John Paul Jones shouted his words: “I have not yet begun to fight" then fighting vigorously with valor and cunning he defeated his foe.
However going through my teens like most all teenagers we see so much corruption in our society and our love for our country is what leads us down the road to despair. During the 60s, my generation could see the America we were nurtured in was in grave need of help. Did we have the answers? Probably not, however we did care and had to put up with the hard-core rhetoric of the conservative establishment who labeled us as a spoiled generation of ungrateful, ungodly, radicals who belonged behind bars.
Today our nation is engaged in war we are losing many fine young men everyday. Our political leaders all have different views on the war. However, none of them actually has their own personal insight into the reason we are there or what is right or wrong, they are simply trying to capture the people’s support in order to win their vote.
No one wants to hear their country put down either by friendly allies in other countries or by our own people within our country. However, we must realize that change is a natural occurrence and although we do see the comfort in sentimental conservatism we must lean, a little to favor change. For our way of life is not entirely based on what we want but what is best for our children in addition, their children. We must sacrifice a little in order to be able to give a lot.
Yes, wave the flag as a symbol of patriotism for all of our fallen comrades who died to keep all unselfish dreams to make the world a better place to live in alive. However, don’t use it as a blind fold to hide your eyes from seeing right from wrong.
Concluding with a short poem
No Better Way As Of Yet
As we carry on with our lives in this great nation,
We will meet day to day with a great deal confrontation,
No one has yet come up with a miraculous solution
To deliver all from this madness and confusion,
Some say it’s all fair when they choose to compare,
While others will accept or just simply don’t care,
However, we must never deny the critics from having their say
For this is the reason why - we celebrate Independence Day
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Once again an excellent article. My sentiments as well. You comment about man sums it all up. America alone cannot possibly solve the worlds problems and if they insist on going the path chosen in my opinion it will lead to the foundations collapse. While good people everywhere want what our forefathers and the great people like Dr. King fostered, until man changes it just will not be. This is the key that all seem to ignore. Today in my opinion and certainly by the deeds of our government we face the greatest challange to our sovern nation that we have ever faced and yet so many are blinded to it and caught up in a unrealistic belief that America can absorb and solve everyones problems. David, one has to wonder just how many 4ths this nation will celebrate in the future? I sicnerely hope I am found to be wrong, yet I have no faith in todays leaders verses the likes of Dr. King, Lincoln or any others who were people of honor and above all demonstrated faith and not just professed faith. Best wishes.Please log in to respond to this comment.Mr. Melaccio, Did you notice the quote from Erich Fromm I put in my article? Erich Fromm was a sociologist who spent a lifetime analyzing human behavior in society. I began reading his work in 1968. He claims we (mankind) are the only creatures on earth who's own existence is a problem in which we have to solve. Untill we learn how to live with each other we will never make any progress.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Excellent, David and I especially was touched by your closing poem - is that yours? I wonder, it seems to me that our days show not any true leadership but merely managers and that is not the answer. Keep your passion, David, I am with you!Please log in to respond to this comment.You know Judi, when we look at the situation realistically there is not that much our leaders can do but manage. Our politicians do not own the country they merely run it and they must comply with the rules. You might say “WE” the people are the owners who rely on the constitution. The Constitution gives the corporate world free access to overpower our politicians and keep them at their beck and call. Our founding fathers never intended the outcome we are facing today. I am trying to keep faith that some day the ones who truly run the show will join the human race. "Oh yes, the poem is mine" thanks for your commentPlease log in to respond to this comment.
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