The Basics

"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." 

 Excerpt from The Declaration of Independence.



I prepare this pre-Holiday post from an office only a few short blocks from the room where this whole thing materialized. We take this Holiday seriously here in Philadelphia. It is not all just parades and hot dogs, fireworks and watermelon. The area around Independence Hall is called" America's Most Historic Square Mile." It is worth visiting these historic locations and absorbing some of the essense of the enormity of the task that Franklin and Jefferson and the boys undertook. I for one question whether the current pack of slugs and wastrels in Washington,regardless of party affiliation, can conceptualize that they have power based on the consent of the governed. When that pesky 2nd Amendment debate flares up....as it has recently...remember what these guys did down at 6th & Chestnut here in Philadelphia so many years ago. One might need arms to "alter or abolish" a form of government that becomes "destructive." Embrace the gravity of the words in the Declaration of Independence tomorrow when you hit the beach or linger at the pool or ice down the beer and grill the steaks.