Declaration of Independence

Have you ever read it? I mean, really sat down and read the words that brought about this nation?

It was an insanely seditious thing to do, declare independence from the monarchy.

Everyone was in a monarchy in those days (the "gang" of the 18th century), so the colony that went out on a limb to become its own country would stand alone. Only France, itself on the cusp of revolution, would deign to support its independent brethren.

An even more important question is who among the world's monarchs would not try to quash said revolution? Think about it: if one small upstart colony was successful, how many colonies would try the same thing? Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

So, please watch this video I view often to remind me what the Declaration of Independence meant back in 1776 when Benjamin Franklin declared, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." And appreciate the risks taken by our forebears who risked much to create the cornerstone of this ever-evolving democratic republic.

Happy Independence Day. Sic semper tyrannis.