As we continue to study the Declaration of Independence, let’s examine the opening line of this founding document and connect it to current events in the United States.
Historical Context: 1775‑76 vs. Today
“The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…”
Over the past couple of years, I’ve heard statements from vocal Americans that we must return to the Declaration because today resembles 1775-76, when it became necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds that had connected them with another. Here’s the difference:
We were under the thumb of King George III in 1775, whom our Founders called “a tyrant.” King George was the King of England, but he ruled the thirteen colonies with an iron grip, seeking to control the American people who had already given birth to three or four generations since 1620, when the Pilgrims arrived. Our young country of colonies was governing itself and making its way, ready to enter the world stage.
The Threat of “Foreign Ideologies
Today, we are a nation divided not by a foreign power, but by foreign ideologies (like Marxism, Socialism, Communism) that would turn us into a country not governed by the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God, but by man’s desires, much like the reign of King George III.
Consequences of Ignoring the Founders
We are in the course of human events, but the events are within our borders and under the sovereign control of the United States. Yet, foreign and failed ideologies are knocking at our door, convincing our youth and many adults that our Founders’ philosophy of government is old and outdated. They believe erasing our foundation will solve all our problems and that somehow, they will implement the failed ideologies they want to try, this time correcting them.
We should unite as a nation and separate ourselves from foreign, failed ideologies, embracing instead our founding American documents (The Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution) and the law and order they provide.
Conclusion – A Renewed Commitment
In what ways can you embrace our founding American documents in your everyday life? Since others observe how you live, how can you influence your circle of relationships toward the American philosophy of government rather than other failed ideologies?
Commenting Guidelines: Please do not use the names of prominent politicians or political parties. We focus on principles of civics, not personalities or name-calling. No additional pictures or links.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
References:
The Declaration of Independence
https://www.heritage.org/progressivism/commentary/three-nations-tried-socialism-and-rejected-it
https://www.learning-mind.com/why-did-communism-fail/#google_vignette (note: good article but laden with many ads)
