When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

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.

 Written by Thomas Jefferson 7/4/1776

 “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did, I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”

 Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Much has been changed from the original version of our Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson.    Remaining though were the so often repeated words that are able to synthesize the reason for our existence.

All persons are created equal, and with the ability to pursue happiness.   

Biology dictates that at birth, even with physical and psychological characteristics that are unique to each newborn, every baby has the same instincts that guarantee the preservation of life and the species.   

These instincts are accompanied by pleasures which develop into desires.    Initially the satisfaction of these desires is instant.   

A baby is hungry, cries, is fed, and feels instant pleasure. A slow and painful process start as the newborn grows, matures and reaches adulthood.   

The maturation process ends when the change from instant to delayed gratification is achieved. This is where Jefferson’s words “pursuit” is a key. To pursue implies will and will requires freedom to act. To “have” is not a right, it is a choice and the consequences of these “choices” are your responsibility, good or bad.   

Every person has to choose from being led by a minority that will give you instant gratification in exchange for your will and responsibility or go through the painful process needed to maintain your freedom and achieve the ultimate pleasure of being truly free.   

Tocqueville had doubts about the preservation of the “new” system of governing in America, with their separation of powers and the fact of the States assuming most of these powers.     

He actually predicted that the form of governing implanted would last only as long as the existing moral qualities of the citizens remained.  

 Unfortunately, a lethal mix of success, advance technology and a different quality in many of our immigrants has changed “we the people”.  

It has not been a sudden change or an unanticipated one.  For decades many (myself included) have written about the erosions of our basic values enumerated brilliantly by Thomas Jefferson. Tomorrow we will remember and celebrate by going to the beach, partying, and exploding fireworks. Not much thought to the bravery of the signees that placed themselves, family, and fortunes at a terrific risk including prison and/or execution. When are we going to return to what our Creator gave us as self- evident truths, the rights to control our way to live, are free, and pursue our happiness?   

Make no mistake! Presently we are forced and constrained by a vocal minority. We are coerced in our speech, assembly, what to protest, what names our products and sport teams are allowed, what books to read and/or movies to watch, what is our gender, what our children are taught, whom to support when voting, which race to discriminate, and encouraged to see this country as evil since its inception starting on July 4, 1776.

Tomorrow, we not only should admire our forefathers courage, but make it a precedent to follow the text of the Declaration, and teach our children to also start living the words with a new proclamation “that we shall implement what was given by our creator, will not let a vocal minority take our given rights to be free to have our Life, Liberty and pursuit of happiness back, and if fight we must, then fight we will!”