A LETTER TO AMERICA, REFERENCING A NEW DECLARATON OF INDEPENDENCE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
We quote our original declaration
“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 as the reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk has become “destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People” to defy him and defend the rights and liberties we have enjoyed for nearly 250 years.
“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”…
The history of the present reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk “ is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny……
To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”
Trump has pardoned violent criminals who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, attempting to prevent the lawful transfer of power.
He has defied Article 1 of the Constitution ( All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.) by refusing to expend funds duly authorized by Congress and by attempting to eliminate Departments previously authorized by Congress.
By the unilateral imposition of tariffs, he has violated Article 1 Section 7 of the Constitution ( All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.) and Section 8 (The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excise)
By refusing to obey judicial decisions and by attempting to intimidate Judges, he has violated Article 3, Section 1 of the Constitution (The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.)
It is worth recounting the actual language of the Declaration of Independence , as follows :
“He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.”
Furthermore, by interposing DOGE into the regular functioning of government:
“He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people….”
By unilaterally imposing outrageous tariffs,
“For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world”
He has violated the following Bill of Rights:
First Amendment by attempting to intimidate states, legal firms and educational institutions from their right of free speech by suspending duly authorized federal funding or federal contracts.
Fifth Amendment by detaining individuals without due process of law.
The Sixth Amendment by denying individuals the right to a speedy and fair trial by an impartial jury.
We, therefore, on behalf of millions of patriotic Americans, call President Trump to account for all his crimes and beseech our fellow citizens to join us in this crusade for liberty and the preservation of democracy.
Every State Democratic Party also has a platform. Here is ours in NM, as approved by State Central Committee, the Governing Body for DPNM. (I am an elected SCC member.) https://www.nmdemocrats.org/platform Preamble:
"Democrats believe that every person matters. All New Mexicans should have an equal voice in how we are governed. We call out the disproportionate influence by rich and powerful special interests on our government. We affirm the ties of unity and inclusion that bind us together as one human family."
There are individual statements about Agriculture, Arts, Business and Economy, Civil Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, Education, Elections, Environment, Health Care, Housing, Immigration, Native People, International Relations, Labor, Public Safety, Science and Technology Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans and Military Affairs, Water, and Women.
I am concluding my correspondence using this Hopium statement:
**The Democratic Party brings Prosperity, Opportunity and Better Lives!**
We will not allow MAGA to take away our nation and its values, not now, not ever. I’ll be waving a flag while marching in local parade with many fellow Democrats in our red town represented by a MAGA Republican who we intend to vote out.
Bravo, I was going to post this to FB today. It’s not a founding document, but it’s essential to the American identity. I’m your average white dude and my story also begins with hopelessly poor (German) people moving across the world, never to return home, to what had to seem a hostile place (Texas in the 1880s).
Thank you, BeeBee. Same feeling about why our grandparents came here -- in my case, from Italy to NY. Even if they didn't know or read this poem by Lazarus, it resonates for them and us. Appreciate your sharing this.
You know, I keep thinking about my forebears, how they came here, unwanted, with nothing, laborers, no English—another bunch of hands to make things so they can survive. In a little over 100 years, they begat generations of Americans who entertained and excelled in the arts, put food into bellies, and saved lives in the sciences and medicine. One became famous and won awards; one died as a young man, MIA over Japan - his body was never recovered - there was nothing to bury. I have been thinking about him especially. You have to continue to honor those people.
Yes, you're right. That's very sad about your relative who was lost in WWII over Japan. My father, the first generation born in this country, fought in WWII, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star. He (and my mother) are buried im Arlington Cemetery, less than 5 miles from me. Even though he was a Republican when he died, he would be appalled at the awful state of today's GOP. He didn't come so close to losing his life for this horrible excuse for a human being who occupies the WH. Even though we remember and honor these patirots, I fear as time goes by and we are gone that others will forget.
Thank you for posting. My paternal grandparents came here in 1908 and 1912, ethnic Poles who had been ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire for decades (their paperwork showed they were born in Austria). I can only imagine what it was like for them to see that towering statue welcoming them to America.
Yes, that is my maternal and fraternal heritage as well, traced back to early 1700s. I see the war in Ukraine from the perspective of Poland's history. Here are the changing borders of Poland over time, including the period of total occupation and 1945 to 1989s Marxist–Leninist regime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66y49BnxLfQ&ab_channel=LKKozlowski
Dziekuje! This is a really cool video! I am sharing with my cousins! I knew Poland's boundaries had changed repeatedly over centuries, but did not know that it was much larger than it is today at one point. This video is a reminder to finally read my dad's copy of Poland, which I started a couple of times decades ago but didn't have the time to commit to such a lengthy tome. A friend did read it, and she described Michener's depth of research as "starting with the first amoebas in Poland!" 😂
Thank you for posting the full poem. Im visiting Paris today and was able to show my granddaughter the Statue of Liberty at Pont de Grenelle. It was a model used to build the Statue the French gifted us.
Holy cow! I'm from a long-ago generation that actually studied Civics in school. I swear to God that I have never read this Declaration. Maybe we should start with education.
I may be in your age range, and I don't remember reading the entire thing in elementary school nor high school-- only passages. As a recently retired middle school math teacher, I don't think many students in that age range really understand why July 4th is important. That's why I am on a mission today to address the day as "Independence Day" and hopefully elicit a conversation or two.
Many thanks! I'll add NPR to my study list. I found reading it myself to be really inspiring...and comforting. It connected me with several of my ancestors who were early settlers. (1600s) They went through a lot just to get here, not to mention building a new life. I guess now it's my turn.
I don't know if it still is. Junior year was all US history. 1 had to take and pass the Constitution test. Part of that involved reading the Declaration of Independence. It was also required for part of a college class where 1 roleplayed Democracy in different forms-how countries got their democracy. How India gained its independence. Then the class did the US. We compared and contrasted the 2.
It feels harder to celebrate this year, given our wanna-be tyrant President, acquiescent Congress, and enabling Supreme Court.
But here’s to our far-sighted Founders, who worked hard to create a government By, For and Of the People that would endure. Now it’s our job to sustain it. Although it feels daunting at the moment, with this community pulling together, along with other like-minded patriots, we can defeat these authoritarian forces threatening us!
Family and friends are gathering for a Zoom reading of the Declaration today at a time convenient to all. Highly recommend and we may switch to Charles Flynn's version - thank you, Charles, for such a great though horrific post. Fierce Independence Day through Peaceful Protest, all!!
Please scroll back to read Charles' version for yourself.
Thank you, SImon. Was just discussing that I want to reread (or read the Declaration of Independence) as I watched John Adams on HBO again last night. Yes, it's a beautiful summer day here in Washington with low humidity! Enjoy the Nats and maybe the fireworks, too. Thanks again for everything you do! Claire from just across the Potomac
There are roughly 157 million Americans living in districts represented by the MAGA regime. Nearly 183 million Americans living in Democratic districts.
Curtis, Nebraska -- a place that went heavily for Trump -- just announced it is closing its medical center after 30 years serving the community.
Thank you, Simon. You are always thinking of us. I sent this little story to friends today.
These are the times that try men's souls. Thomas Paine, Dec 23, 1776
As I woke up two days ago out of no where these words kept repeating in my head. Somewhere out of the long gone teachings of my youth and some history class Thomas Paine's name popped up. I can't explain it except that my mind was trying to do me a favor.
Here are the next few sentences too horribly appropriate now:
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
Mary Chapin Carpenter did a short pod cast series last Fall, and one of the guest she interviewed was Jamie Raskin, whom she greatly admires. Jaime read from this and it was a powerful moment.
Here’s Dick Gaughan singing “Tom Paine’s Bones” with lovely and apt visuals of Thomas Paine, his times and his works (and an absolute slaying of a 12-string acoustic).
#July4th is our #OriginalIndependenceDay with a #2ndIndependenceDay somewhere on the horizon.
There will be a pivot point, recognized as the day we were able to #FreeAmerica from #RepubloFascism, and end DJT’s #SquanderingAmericasGreatness, saddling us with #TheRawDeal.
“ He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.”
Sounds like an all-night “vote-a-rama.” Can’t believe that’s how our government still works.
Reminded me of "He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword. His Truth is marching on. Glory, Hallelujah..." (Battle Hymn of the Republic-- Julia Ward Howe)
A LETTER TO AMERICA, REFERENCING A NEW DECLARATON OF INDEPENDENCE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
We quote our original declaration
“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 as the reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk has become “destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People” to defy him and defend the rights and liberties we have enjoyed for nearly 250 years.
“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”…
The history of the present reign of Donald Trump and Elon Musk “ is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny……
To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”
Trump has pardoned violent criminals who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, attempting to prevent the lawful transfer of power.
He has defied Article 1 of the Constitution ( All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.) by refusing to expend funds duly authorized by Congress and by attempting to eliminate Departments previously authorized by Congress.
By the unilateral imposition of tariffs, he has violated Article 1 Section 7 of the Constitution ( All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.) and Section 8 (The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excise)
By refusing to obey judicial decisions and by attempting to intimidate Judges, he has violated Article 3, Section 1 of the Constitution (The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.)
It is worth recounting the actual language of the Declaration of Independence , as follows :
“He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.”
Furthermore, by interposing DOGE into the regular functioning of government:
“He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people….”
By unilaterally imposing outrageous tariffs,
“For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world”
He has violated the following Bill of Rights:
First Amendment by attempting to intimidate states, legal firms and educational institutions from their right of free speech by suspending duly authorized federal funding or federal contracts.
Fifth Amendment by detaining individuals without due process of law.
The Sixth Amendment by denying individuals the right to a speedy and fair trial by an impartial jury.
We, therefore, on behalf of millions of patriotic Americans, call President Trump to account for all his crimes and beseech our fellow citizens to join us in this crusade for liberty and the preservation of democracy.
Thank you
Thank you. Truly appreciate you sharing this which I will bring to my local group of Democrats to adapt. Happy Independence Day - again.
Thank you Thomas.
Simon Please what is the Democrat's platform? I want to vote, volunteer and give you money for the primary.
The Platform of the Democratic Party as approved by the DNC is here.
https://democrats.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024_Democratic_Party_Platform_8a2cf8.pdf
Every State Democratic Party also has a platform. Here is ours in NM, as approved by State Central Committee, the Governing Body for DPNM. (I am an elected SCC member.) https://www.nmdemocrats.org/platform Preamble:
"Democrats believe that every person matters. All New Mexicans should have an equal voice in how we are governed. We call out the disproportionate influence by rich and powerful special interests on our government. We affirm the ties of unity and inclusion that bind us together as one human family."
There are individual statements about Agriculture, Arts, Business and Economy, Civil Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, Education, Elections, Environment, Health Care, Housing, Immigration, Native People, International Relations, Labor, Public Safety, Science and Technology Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans and Military Affairs, Water, and Women.
I am concluding my correspondence using this Hopium statement:
**The Democratic Party brings Prosperity, Opportunity and Better Lives!**
Happy Independence Day - time to reassert our independence and freedom
We will not allow MAGA to take away our nation and its values, not now, not ever. I’ll be waving a flag while marching in local parade with many fellow Democrats in our red town represented by a MAGA Republican who we intend to vote out.
🇺🇸🇺🇸
One of those days when I need a reminder of why my grandparents schlepped here in the first place.
The New Colossus
Emma Lazarus1849 –1887
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
This poem is in the public domain.
I love this poem and its expression of American identity. Thank you for reminding us.
Bravo, I was going to post this to FB today. It’s not a founding document, but it’s essential to the American identity. I’m your average white dude and my story also begins with hopelessly poor (German) people moving across the world, never to return home, to what had to seem a hostile place (Texas in the 1880s).
Thank you, BeeBee. Same feeling about why our grandparents came here -- in my case, from Italy to NY. Even if they didn't know or read this poem by Lazarus, it resonates for them and us. Appreciate your sharing this.
You know, I keep thinking about my forebears, how they came here, unwanted, with nothing, laborers, no English—another bunch of hands to make things so they can survive. In a little over 100 years, they begat generations of Americans who entertained and excelled in the arts, put food into bellies, and saved lives in the sciences and medicine. One became famous and won awards; one died as a young man, MIA over Japan - his body was never recovered - there was nothing to bury. I have been thinking about him especially. You have to continue to honor those people.
Yes, you're right. That's very sad about your relative who was lost in WWII over Japan. My father, the first generation born in this country, fought in WWII, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star. He (and my mother) are buried im Arlington Cemetery, less than 5 miles from me. Even though he was a Republican when he died, he would be appalled at the awful state of today's GOP. He didn't come so close to losing his life for this horrible excuse for a human being who occupies the WH. Even though we remember and honor these patirots, I fear as time goes by and we are gone that others will forget.
Thank you for posting. My paternal grandparents came here in 1908 and 1912, ethnic Poles who had been ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire for decades (their paperwork showed they were born in Austria). I can only imagine what it was like for them to see that towering statue welcoming them to America.
Yes, that is my maternal and fraternal heritage as well, traced back to early 1700s. I see the war in Ukraine from the perspective of Poland's history. Here are the changing borders of Poland over time, including the period of total occupation and 1945 to 1989s Marxist–Leninist regime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66y49BnxLfQ&ab_channel=LKKozlowski
Dziekuje! This is a really cool video! I am sharing with my cousins! I knew Poland's boundaries had changed repeatedly over centuries, but did not know that it was much larger than it is today at one point. This video is a reminder to finally read my dad's copy of Poland, which I started a couple of times decades ago but didn't have the time to commit to such a lengthy tome. A friend did read it, and she described Michener's depth of research as "starting with the first amoebas in Poland!" 😂
Thank you for posting the full poem. Im visiting Paris today and was able to show my granddaughter the Statue of Liberty at Pont de Grenelle. It was a model used to build the Statue the French gifted us.
Holy cow! I'm from a long-ago generation that actually studied Civics in school. I swear to God that I have never read this Declaration. Maybe we should start with education.
I may be in your age range, and I don't remember reading the entire thing in elementary school nor high school-- only passages. As a recently retired middle school math teacher, I don't think many students in that age range really understand why July 4th is important. That's why I am on a mission today to address the day as "Independence Day" and hopefully elicit a conversation or two.
BTW, NPR reads this document every year live on the air and you can listen to the recording in full at your convenience. Here's the link from 4 years ago: https://www.npr.org/2021/07/02/1011754245/an-npr-tradition-heres-the-reading-of-the-declaration-of-independence
Many thanks! I'll add NPR to my study list. I found reading it myself to be really inspiring...and comforting. It connected me with several of my ancestors who were early settlers. (1600s) They went through a lot just to get here, not to mention building a new life. I guess now it's my turn.
There was a test junior year in high school that 1 had to take and pass.
Wow! The civics class we had in OK was in grade school, but at least we got the idea. I seriously doubt that it is still taught there.
I don't know if it still is. Junior year was all US history. 1 had to take and pass the Constitution test. Part of that involved reading the Declaration of Independence. It was also required for part of a college class where 1 roleplayed Democracy in different forms-how countries got their democracy. How India gained its independence. Then the class did the US. We compared and contrasted the 2.
Wow. Thanks! We studied very little of that. Junior year American history was about it. Oh well…
Happy Fourth, Everyone!
🇺🇸🌭🍉🎆🇺🇸
It feels harder to celebrate this year, given our wanna-be tyrant President, acquiescent Congress, and enabling Supreme Court.
But here’s to our far-sighted Founders, who worked hard to create a government By, For and Of the People that would endure. Now it’s our job to sustain it. Although it feels daunting at the moment, with this community pulling together, along with other like-minded patriots, we can defeat these authoritarian forces threatening us!
July 4 checklist:
- start smoker
- get meat on
- call senators, express displeasure
- set up for yearly block party
- eat
- drink
- be merry
- blow shit up
Have fun, yall.
Thanks. Good trouble!😅
Illegitimi non caborundum! Happy 4th, all!
Or as Joyce White Vance wrote in Civil Discourse earlier today: Nolite Te Bastardes Carborundorum
Family and friends are gathering for a Zoom reading of the Declaration today at a time convenient to all. Highly recommend and we may switch to Charles Flynn's version - thank you, Charles, for such a great though horrific post. Fierce Independence Day through Peaceful Protest, all!!
Please scroll back to read Charles' version for yourself.
Thank you, SImon. Was just discussing that I want to reread (or read the Declaration of Independence) as I watched John Adams on HBO again last night. Yes, it's a beautiful summer day here in Washington with low humidity! Enjoy the Nats and maybe the fireworks, too. Thanks again for everything you do! Claire from just across the Potomac
Has anyone calculated the number of constituents represented by the votes for and against the BBB?
That would be interesting.
There are roughly 157 million Americans living in districts represented by the MAGA regime. Nearly 183 million Americans living in Democratic districts.
Curtis, Nebraska -- a place that went heavily for Trump -- just announced it is closing its medical center after 30 years serving the community.
“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason,
I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
James Baldwin
One of my favorite Baldwin quotes. Thanks for sharing.
James Baldwin always knew how to express what he was thinking and feeling about America. Thanks for the great quote today!
Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.
(America never was America to me.)
O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!
(Langston Hughes -- 1901~1967)
The best from one of the best -- Langston Hughes. Thanks for sharing, Thomas.
(Like) .. you are most welcome. ..
Thank you, Simon. You are always thinking of us. I sent this little story to friends today.
These are the times that try men's souls. Thomas Paine, Dec 23, 1776
As I woke up two days ago out of no where these words kept repeating in my head. Somewhere out of the long gone teachings of my youth and some history class Thomas Paine's name popped up. I can't explain it except that my mind was trying to do me a favor.
Here are the next few sentences too horribly appropriate now:
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
And the link to full text: https://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/c-01.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoq4grnCP7uibyVlXWsAF3GAQEzzKon6Q3EIlxppTcZjXCKoih1d
Thanks for sharing this, Linda.
Mary Chapin Carpenter did a short pod cast series last Fall, and one of the guest she interviewed was Jamie Raskin, whom she greatly admires. Jaime read from this and it was a powerful moment.
Here’s Dick Gaughan singing “Tom Paine’s Bones” with lovely and apt visuals of Thomas Paine, his times and his works (and an absolute slaying of a 12-string acoustic).
“Well I only talked about freedom
And justice for everyone
But since the very first word I spoke
I’ve been looking down the barrel of a gun”
https://youtu.be/qd2AHZ22SJ8?si=wWaG2YETn9CfAmlq
Please use this phraseology:
#July4th is our #OriginalIndependenceDay with a #2ndIndependenceDay somewhere on the horizon.
There will be a pivot point, recognized as the day we were able to #FreeAmerica from #RepubloFascism, and end DJT’s #SquanderingAmericasGreatness, saddling us with #TheRawDeal.
“ He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.”
Sounds like an all-night “vote-a-rama.” Can’t believe that’s how our government still works.
Reminded me of "He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword. His Truth is marching on. Glory, Hallelujah..." (Battle Hymn of the Republic-- Julia Ward Howe)