The Declaration of Independence – the beginning of what would become the GREATEST country on Earth!
“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.” These words have been woven into the core of Americanism. However, the Declaration of Independence engraved a deeper sentiment. It laid the foundation for an “ideal” government to be executed among men and the beacon of what society should be.
The Declaration opens with the acknowledgment of the rights we have, as individuals, are endowed by our Creator. In order to protect these rights, in society, governments are instituted, in which their powers are derived from individuals who have given them consent to be governed. The key word here is consent. We, the people, give governments the power. These words are later emphasized and cemented in the Constitution. This is a powerful statement. It stated the underlining purpose of government-that is-to protect our God-given, natural rights. It is not meant to rule, dictate or dominate over its citizens. As individuals, citizens, of a society, we have a role to play as well.
Alexander Hamilton wrote in his letter, The Farmer Refuted (1775), explaining what laws of nature and natural rights are and the role each of us play in a society.
“Hence, in a state of nature, no man had any moral power to derive another of his life, limbs, property or liberty; nor the least authority to command, or exact obedience from him; except that which arose from the ties of consanguinity.
Hence also, the origin of all civil government, justly established, must be a voluntary compact, between the rulers and the ruled; and must be liable to such limitations, as are necessary for the security of the absolute rights of the latter, for what original title can any man or set of men have, to govern others, except their own consent? To usurp dominion over a people, in their own despite, or to grasp at a more extensive power than they are willing to entrust, is to violate that law of nature, which gives every man a right to his personal liberty; and can, therefore, confer no obligation to obedience.
‘The principal aim of society is to protect individuals, in the enjoyment of those absolute rights, which were vested in them by the immutable laws of nature; but which could not be preserved, in peace, without that mutual assistance, and intercourse, which is gained by the institution of friendly and social communities. Hence it follows, that the first and primary end of human laws, is to maintain and regulate these absolute rights of individuals’. Blackstone.”
The Declaration proceeded to display a list of grievances toward the King. This list became the basis of our Constitution. The pain, in which we must never forget, inflicted upon the citizens of the Thirteen Colonies by the King became the foundation of our independence. Too often today, people forget why and what it took for us to even have Independence Day.
The Declaration wraps up with the States declaring itself free and independence.
The British Crown has ruled for many centuries. The abuses they put forth onto their citizens have been endured for centuries. Finally, in 1776, the citizens have had enough. The constant abuses and dismissal of the Law gave path for the founding fathers to establish a government that acknowledges and protects certain unalienable rights that our Creator has endowed us. A government that is for the people, consent given by the people. They looked to the Laws of Nature as the guiding principals and sacrificed their lives and fortunes to institute a new government.
How long will it take us, as a nation, to recognize and acknowledge how far removed we are from the origination of this government? We were established as a Constitutional Republic. Today, we are a “democracy” with a government that puts its hands in every aspect of our lives without our consent. For some have bought the idea that safety with a monster is better than taking risks, being free to live your life, have liberty and pursue happiness.
To read the Declaration of Independence fully, click here.
