03/27/2024
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By Charlotte Smith

As the celebration of freedom takes place across America this holiday weekend, it would be prudent to read the Declaration of Independence for review. Also, it may be wise while reading the famous words to replace the adjective “He” given throughout the document. 

Instead of reading the document like it is a past proclamation, read it as though it is a living, breathing edict of the American people. While the words translate understanding in your mind change “he” to “they” as though it pertains to present-day issues our country is facing.

Back in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was written because Americans saw a pattern of increasing oppression and corruption. Move forward to 2020. Take note of all that has happened in our country and how our elected officials are leading.

Ponder the issues while reading the words that are written in the beloved declaration, “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.”

As you continue to read, the founding documents replace the words that stand for the king and replace them with our current elective officials’ adjectives. Do “they” apply? 

Here are some examples:

Actual words in the declaration: “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.”  

Replaced king for today’s America: The history of the Present Elected Officials is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

Actual words in the declaration: “He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.”

Replaced words for today’s America: They have forbidden Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till they Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, they have utterly neglected to attend to them.

Actual words in the declaration: “He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.”

Replaced words for today’s America: They refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

Actual words in the declaration: “He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. (Learn more about this charge, click now)

Replaced words for today’s America: They endeavor to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. 

The thoughts of the Declaration of Independence written 244 years ago are still crucial to our society and the health of our American way of life. As Americans, let us stand up for our freedoms and not let them be taken away in exchange for comfort and ignorance. 

Read more at: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/

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