Tag: Independence Day

A Transcription from the national archives.



IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But 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.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

As a county commissioner, last year I voted with the prevailing side for Grand Traverse County to NOT contribute funds to the local fireworks displays on independence day.  While a couple of those who wanted to do so cried "unpatriotic", the decision was that we would not use taxpayer funds for the light and noise show so often associated with July 4 activities.

It really wasn't that difficult.

Don't get me wrong.  I like fireworks too.  and of course the cost was minimal.  A few thousand dollars to help subsidize an operation that had been somewhat disrupted by a change in a local veterans organization that was till then handling the project's financials, doesn't seem like a great burden.  However, added to it were the contributions from local townships, and other govt agencies, all of which must first take from the citizens by force, to make such generous entertainment available.   The local non profit which brought it before our board, had considerable means to make its own contributions, yet had not even pledged a single penny to the affair at that point.

Why bother when government will foot the bill, right?  The taxpayers will be only paying pennies.  What great entertainment!  Caesar, keep us happy!!!

Next thing we might be funding would be large venue amphitheaters with large carnivore elements.

In the end however, some business owners (along with a few of those govt agencies) decided to step up to the plate.  Sponsorships rolled in, and July 4th festivities were saved!

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But 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.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

My guess is so many folks are so excited by the thought of Independence Day, that they cannot keep the fireworks quiet for one more day. (Its still noisy outside)

I feel that way about the upcoming freedom to work law in Michigan.  I could hardly withhold my commentary on the issue and the grass roots effort I was watching develop for the last couple of months.  These folks were doing more than talk about it, they were planning leaves from their secure jobs, and putting their lives on hold for a better state to work and raise a family in.

How could a person ignore THAT?

This weekend, the Michigan Freedom To Work coalition has been collecting a few bucks to help keep the lights on, and maybe do a little educational advertising while the convincing of the last couple fence sitters goes on.  If you can, drop a couple of bucks their way.  Click on the logo and it will take you to the donation page.  All major credit cards accepted.

And have a great Independence day.

There is indeed light at the end of this tunnel.

On Thursday June 30, at 12 noon, an announcement of EPIC proportions will be made in several locations throughout Michigan simultaneously.  Timed to coincide with the celebration of Independence day weekend, the message will undoubtedly spark fireworks worthy of any grande finale. This declaration will reveal how we will forever change the way in which Michiganders as free people manage their own futures.

Afterward, you will know exactly what to do.

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 whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Indeed.

As the progressives who now lead our nation would take our children's lives through abortion, Our liberty through an unanswerable liability of national debt, and our happiness (property) by removing it from us through use of force and redistributing it in the name of "fairness," we celebrate the courageous call of our forefathers to throw from our backs the yoke of the Tyranny of Kings.

happy independence..

Join With Thousands of Patriots Across the Country on the 4th of July
As We Re-Declare Our Independence from Oppressive Government!

State Capitol
100 N. Capitol
Lansing

1:00-3:00pm
Lansing Tea Party

The Lansing,MI Independence Day Tea Party is backed by Grassroots in Michigan,