July Fourth and the Declaration of Independence

On every July Fourth since I was in my twenties I have read aloud the Declaration of Independence, no matter where or with whom I was, whether people shared the reading or I read it by myself.

How can I—how can anyone—read the Declaration aloud this year in honor of American existence and American liberty? The colonies that were acting in unison as “one people,” and in the act named themselves the United States of America, the free country that brought itself into existence with that Declaration on the basis of God-ordained limits on government power, has, as of June 28, 2012, officially come to an end. As a commenter at Lucianne.com has put it, “Think of Obamacare as the Declaration of Dependence.”

The Declaration of Independence no longer represents what our country actually is. It represents our past country, and, perhaps, a future country. If we are to read the Declaration together, it can only be in that spirit, as patriotism to a non-existent country. As I said on the morning of June 28, patriotism to the United States as it now actually exists “is simply subscription to, loyalty to, patriotism to, obedience to, a leftist unlimited state.”

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Lisa F. writes:

Tomorrow is a day of mourning. I plan only to go to Mass to pray; there is nothing to celebrate. In the words of Margaret Mitchell: “Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream remembered, a Civilization gone with the wind.” Thanks for your truth, and by the way I only recently found you and I am thankful I did.

John K. writes:

May I suggest that those who now agree that Independence Day is now Dependence Day wear black on the Fourth to indicate their mourning for our country and its lost freedom. Instead of flying a black flag, which traditionally indicates a willingness to parley with one’s attackers, one could tie a black ribbon atop their stars and stripes to indicate their mourning and America’s domination by dark forces. A black arm band may most simply indicate this dread sentiment of our newly inflicted slavery.

LA replies:

I think this is a good idea. Wearing a black arm band on the Fourth of July. People will notice it (especially if there is a group of people all wearing the arm band), and its meaning will be inescapable.

James N. writes:

I will read it to all of my children and my grandson (he probably can’t hear in utero, but you never know) after the parade tomorrow, as I always do.

Not all things happen quickly. Sometimes victory is delayed, sometimes it never comes, but I will be damned if I give up something I have done (or had done for me) since July 4, 1950.

Posted by Lawrence Auster at July 03, 2012 11:42 AM | Send