And what better way to celebrate it, really, than with The Thursday Thumb-Twiddler:
1. “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.” Bombastic claptrap, overly-sentimental romanticism, or profound truth?
Profound, if romantic, truth. And I’m not sure I can elaborate on them in any way that’s better than how it’s couched right there. That Tommy-boy, he sure knew how to turn a phrase, didn’t he?
2. Thomas Jefferson originally included a condemnation of slavery in the DoI, but the Continental Congress was faced with the defection of the southern colonies if the clause was not withdrawn. Should Jefferson and the others have compromised on such a principle?
That ongoing moral (and economic) conflict led to the Civil War. And, yet, without the states of the south, the Revolution could not have succeeded — and, if it had, it would have been a smaller, weaker nation.
“All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.”
— Edmund Burke (1729-1797), Speech on Conciliation with America (22 Mar 1775)
Knowing where to compromise, and where not to, is a delicate task indeed. I think the right decision was made, even if it was the “least worst” decision.
3. The signatories to the DoI were committing treason against the Crown by taking such a stand. They concluded the document with, “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.” Do you have a cause or belief for which you would be willing to put your “life, fortune and honor” on the line?
My family. And, I think, if called, my nation.
Of course, saying it and doing it are two different matters. But drawing a line in the sand isn’t always just for the benefit of the Other Guy. Sometimes you do it for yourself, too.