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 begin the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, in which 237 years ago this day, the thirteen American colonies announced that they considered themselves states independent of Britain. This long experiment with democracy has had its ups and downs. The downs have always coincided with efforts to limit the rights of members of society. The ups have always coincided with the triumph of these rights over attempts to limit, stifle, or deny them.
As has been said, the United States is a great nation. Definitely not as great as we sometimes think we are, but still a great nation. Let us use this Independence Day as an opportunity to appreciate the many positive attributes of our democracy and to rededicate ourselves to the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and that we are only equal when our unalienable rights are available to all.
Happy Fourth of July!
christao408 
Nicely written Chris – Happy 4th of July!
Amen! Hope you are celebrating in style!
Love this!
Happy 4th to you!
I think they used to always read the Declaration on the Fourth, but now it’s all about fireworks and burgers. Ah well, the spirit is there, right? 🙂
Nowadays people tell others to have a safe and sane fourth of July. I suppose even going out will endanger me more than staying inside the home.
Well said!
Aww. I’m late…I wish you a happy FIFTH of july though :]
Well put! Only when ALL are free can we really become that nation.
@Fatcat723 – @Devilzgaysianboi – @making_a_comeback_05 – Thanks!@PPhilip – There does seem to be a bit of obsessing about safety around the Fourth. Odd that it has become a holiday with the perception of being dangerous.@leaflesstree – It seems that all holidays move from their roots to a more commercial, entertainment-driven purpose. I love the idea I saw floating around of making July 4th a national day of service.@KevEats – @ElusiveWords – And to you, too, following hot on the heels of Canada Day.@murisopsis – I will celebrate today (Saturday the 6th) at the American Chamber of Commerce’s annual “I-Day” picnic. As usual, I will be volunteering on the raffle ticket sales table.@karen_lynn – Glad you liked it!
@christao408 – That does sound like a good idea. I know they got a great response to doing that on Martin Luther King Day.
@christao408 – You’re welcome! 🙂