July 4, 1776 - Great Moment in Human History

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.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. - from wikipedia

I wish all of the people of our country would read these words and fully understand how profound they are when considering history up to that time. It was the first time in human history that the people are descried as the source of power instead of rule by a privileged few. This is what we should be celebrating... how lucky we are being born in this era and in this place.

Several centuries since these concepts are taken for granted. The people of this country are split on their views of the implications of the founding concept of this country. The primary founding principle is that all people, not just Americans, have inherent rights as living beings on this planet, that no power, law or dictate can deny them the right of self-preservation, breathing, raising a family, teaching their children and grasping whatever their reach can attain. Those things that are not a governments business.

We have many citizens that have this American ideal embedded in their morality. They understand what 'All Men' means just that, all human beings. They believe this so deeply they will die making it manifest; not just for their own country but for anybody unable to free themselves from despotism and attain their natural rights. These people are often referred to as Patriots. They walk it like they talk it. Because they do millions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East live these same ideals.

We have other citizens that view these words as idealistic; written by a bunch of old rich white male slave owners. However, these types of citizens are quick to use these ideals as a defense for their derision. They will say these are great ideals but not worth sacrificing blood and national treasure for others. These people simply talk it; they are Paper-Patriots. They desire that the government encroach upon the people's power to attain equality among people. They feel their views to be more informed and nuanced than a mere low-brow Patriot and they see those willing to die for the American ideals as fools.

They would do well to ask themselves if these ideals have survived, spread through the world, taken root in Iraq for the first time in human history by merely talking about it. They should also consider, in historical terms, who is really the fool.

... how's that nanc ?