On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress declared independence from Britain. Two days later, they approved the draft we know as the Declaration of Independence. The document was first presented to the public on July 8, and it wasn’t until Aug. 2 that most of the signatories put their names to the document. We lump … Continue reading Declaring independence from mythological America
Independence Day
The morning after Independence, the fight continues
Americans woke on July 5, 1776, to a long fight for independence. We declared on July 4, 1776, that all men are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights, and that government derives its powers from the consent of the governed. And, in our red-white-and-blue mythology, “we” won those ideals with the conclusion of the American … Continue reading The morning after Independence, the fight continues
This Fourth, let’s declare independence from nationalism
We’re less than a week from the Fourth of July, which means most of us here in ‘Muricaland are getting ready for our annual red-white-and-blue orgy of food, fireworks and unbridled patriotism. I love Independence Day. But, before we indulge in too many hot dogs, blow up a little piece of this country we love … Continue reading This Fourth, let’s declare independence from nationalism
Celebrate, and defend, Independence
Today we celebrate our 242nd Independence Day — originally a celebration of no longer having a king, of gaining liberty from tyranny. This Fourth of July, I urge us all to pause and ponder where our nation stands today with respect to that liberty, and what course we are charting for our children. Our unlikely … Continue reading Celebrate, and defend, Independence
Pray for Independence
I love Arnold Friberg’s classic painting “The Prayer at Valley Forge.” This painting depicts George Washington taking a knee in the snow, falling down before God to pray for strength and guidance at perhaps the darkest hour of the Revolution. It is a painting oft-portrayed on patriotic occasions, and I think it is very fitting … Continue reading Pray for Independence
