Independence Day
Last year on Independence Day, I posted the Declaration of Independence. I think it’s appropriate to review once a year one of the most important documents produced by our forbears or by any group of people in history. Since Independence Day, 2009, falls on a Saturday, I’m doing my Independence Day post a day early.
I would invite you to again review the Declaration of Independence, but this year, focus on two or three points in particular. Other than the opening sentence of the Declaration, the most well-known statement in this document is, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.”
I suggest that you ponder whether in 2009, there is anything regarded as truth by our nation. It’s been a long, long time since these famous words were penned. Does the word “truth” mean anything?
I suggest that you ponder whether there are any self-evident truths. Principles that are just true. Everybody knows it. There’s no need to debate. There’s no thought of debate.
Finally, I suggest that you review the grievances listed against the King of England. Have we come full circle on some of these grievances?
I’m not suggesting another revolution. Far from it. I marvel at how this country has held together under circumstances that regularly bring down other countries. I am thankful that there is still a sense of freedom in this nation that’s hard to find in other nations.
But if we are to consider the meaning of independence once a year and if we are to consider the key document that led us to freedom as a new country, then it seems to me we should consider the words used to declare this momentous event. Do they still have meaning? Do we still believe what they say? Would we still write the Declaration of Independence using the same words today?
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About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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John, there are certainly truths. That they may not be as noticed does not mean that they don’t exist. Thanks for posting.
I never heard about natural rights, or these “self-evident truths” until I went to law school. I’m pretty sure modern education fails to teach our children what the founding fathers really stood for. They get watered down versions of “freedom” and “democracy” but never really think through the philosophies. And they are never taught that our founders were very concerned about the dangers of democracy.