With apologies to Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson, as we reflect on 250 years of this experiment in self governance it is our right and our duty to list the long train of abuses and usurpations of Despotism and the malignant influences of empire that interfere with our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Please allow a quote "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 to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
What has established Tyranny over these states? To prove let facts be submitted to a candid world. Let's declare the causes that impel us to a separation.
Here is a starter list. Please add to it as you are moved.
INDEPENDENCE FROM....
Intellectual and ethical decline
Ignorance of history and government
Weaponized partisanship
Money in politics-the campaign industry
authoritarian and fascist impulses and practices
Politicized religion
Economic disparity of present proportion
Residual racism
Power of destructive equity investments
Algorithms
Social media influencers and public ignorance
Opinions without knowledge
Failure of congress to govern by compromise and to serve the interests of all citizens
Worship of celebrity and celebrity culture
Destructive bureaucracy
Presidential graft
Inadequate Housing
for profit medicine
unaffordable medical care
no term limits
The Declaration we celebrate this season carried the lines,"In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people."
For far too long the legislative branch has failed, exceedingly! I reason we can then apply the idea of a Tyrant to congressional seniority and political "careerism" as well as those who have failed us. Court appointments have been "ideologized" and politicized. The selection of a President has been assumed by a campaign industrial complex where elections, "winning" instead of governance skill, are paramount. There is a dangerous gap between who can get elected and who is qualified and skilled to be Commander in Chief. In our lifetime we have watched a failure to meet the high minded and noble intention of the founders.
Who is up for this? "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."
See you down the trail.
