Thomas Jefferson-- Master of Words

 

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When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.


 The reaction to America's 250th Birthday is mixed. People are celebrating in some circles while others are claiming the current political climate is ripe for the fall of democracy. I will attempt to  not be as dramatic, even though I am enthusiastic about our country, imperfections included. It would be a waste a time and effort to go through 250 years of  American history through my eyes, a forty-eight year old from NJ with CP. However it absolutely blows my mind that Thomas Jefferson was just thirty-five when he wrote the  Declaration of Independence. He conveyed America's grievances while still respecting his English roots. Jefferson consulted  the  Committee of Five which consisted of himself, John Adams  Ben Franklin,  Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman in drafting the Declaration but Jefferson was the man that put pen to parchment.. After years of abuse, it was time for America to show England they meant business!

   If actually read the Declaration of Independence closely, Jefferson  was asking questions rather than just declaring King George was just a horrible man. He respectfully outlined why King George was being unfair to the thirteen colonies and emphasized the colonies tried to b e reasonable and this document symbolized the final straw. It was frustration that built up into anger and that anger showed i n this document, and the events that occured after the document was signed. The document wasn't a declaration of war, it was to give King George III one last chance to treat the thirteen colonies with the dignity and respect they deserved

Thomas Jefferson drew upon different sources to draft the Declaration of Independence, including  English Declaration of Rights, which was drafted in 1689 to end th e reign of King James II. Jefferson was also inspired by the Scottish Declaration of Arbroath  and the  Act of Abjuration borrowed from the Dutch. 


The Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 4,1776, two hundred and fifty years ago today. History has shown the gamble the founding fathers made paid off. The spirit of the Declaration has been test over 250 years but it has not been broken. Thomas Jefferson wouuld be impressed with what America has become! Happy 4th of July America!!!!

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