The End to a Beginning

  What can one say that has not already been said about the Declaration Of Independence. As a political document its simple yet brilliant. Underscoring the reasons for dissent, but going further in setting forth a new theory of government. As a humanitarian document it beckons to all of mankind, invoking natural law; reasoning that there is a “higher” law to derive human law which can be the basis to castigate that law at any time.

   Addressing an “ingenuous world”, the Founders clear aim was to justify their reasons for independence. Throughout, they detail how British rule clearly strayed from these ideals. However, aside from just discrediting English rule they go a step further in outlining the principles of future American government. Their moral vision would later be expanded in the U.S. Constitution and serve as inspiration to millions around the world. Reason was the keystone of the Founders vision and “liberty” was the method to justify this new political order. On the belief that we were all created equal as defined by natural law and only after complete understanding of this principle did they turn to government to ensure this concept and secure these rights. Only after government derived this power from our willing and just consent could it secure these rights. Thus, government is limited twice: by its end, which anyone would have the right to pursue in the absence of government or by its means, which requires the people’s consent.

   As a humanitarian document, some may argue that it was good in concept, but flawed in reality. The powerful passage “We hold these Truths to be self evident” refers to a higher law of right and wrong. Laws which are natural and God given and cannot be revoked or denied by any mortal being. Hence, the word “Truths” is capitalized. Many modernists will point out America’s failings in the past and the Declaration’s unintentional exclusion of those American souls suffering under the weight and indignation of bondage at the time. However, the document, as a moral statement would be the conscience of a nation and any of its peoples dedicated to the principles of equality and liberty. The Founder’s foresight was extraordinary, as if they knew men were weak and frail in the face of power and evil and would require a constant reminder and blueprint of just how fragile humanity is truly. Unfortunately, it would be 80 years after the fact that the injustice of slavery would be compelled by the Declaration’s conscience; rectified by bitter civil war.

   “That all men were created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” still can seemingly be forgotten in far off corners of the world and even at home. However, the Declaration’s persistent reminder that men are born with these rights and no temporal authority grants these rights is a clarion call to all of humanity. These rights are bestowed from above and man cannot alter or deny rights which are not given by any man, but given from the Creator.

   The Declaration of Independence is a political and humanitarian statement. It outlines the grievances justified by England’s failure to secure their rights and formally announces their intentions to be a free and independent nation using reason as its guide and morality as its purpose.