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7/29/2018

Getting Back to Basics


Let us turn back to the last post on this Blog, titled: “Resistance, Insistence, Persistence = New Day Is Dawning!”  to recover what may have been left hanging. We discover there that the challenge and the call at the end of that post is all about turning some unfortunate legislation, attitudes, judicial decisions, and resultant policies  on their respective heads, so to speak, and perhaps to straighten-out other fundamentals of our system.

It is past time to re-claim our values and our foundational principles.  It will take another Declaration, not of Independence, but of Common Purpose.  And it will take a bolder spirit of reform and change than we have mustered to this point.  We must become the Vanguard of Truth, of Justice for all, of Equality and Opportunity - the front line, not just of resistance, but of INSISTENCE that our system has become encrusted with false values and with structures and institutions that are not in sync with a future that is impinging upon us at this moment. 
We have not been bold enough to make the changes that must be made to release our democratic values from the cage in which they  have been constrained, separated from their parental principles.  We must put People first, for that is what makes this country great.  We must resurrect our basic principles in new forms and structures that put people before profit.”

Along those lines, it is instructive to begin to look at some of our foundation principles, first in the Preamble to our Constitution and then within that document’s Articles and Amendments.  I will suggest some concepts and actions that might turn  present  belief and practice on its head and actually reverse the damage done to our guiding principles by a right-wing cabal of the SCOTUS and by the radical de-constructionists of the legislature.  Let me be clear that my proposals are meant to provoke reaction and discussion, which might lead to a better end product. I don’t believe like Trump that only I know the answers, solutions or processes for reform or change.  I do believe we all have something to contribute to the processes of reform and governance.  So, here are some of my (admittedly inadequate) prescriptions for the rejuvenation of a rapidly deteriorating system of governance. 

Let me add that the system we have fallen into (by both design and neglect) is not representative, is not justice-oriented, is not contractual, and is not based on the authority or the unity of its people. Most recently, it has become autocratic, racist, unequal and unjust,  pitting people, groups and organizations against one another rather than supporting a system working together toward common purposes and goals that benefit the greatest number of people. In reality, it appears that many of those purposes and goals have been undermined, even extinguished, not only by partisan politics, but by a set of principles that are neither democratic nor unifying; the so-called “principles” and ideology of Capitalism (see my broader discussion of this in the   4/15 /2017).  

The Mission of this government is not the welfare of the People, but the welfare (and control) by a very few people whose money and power have made us into an arm of business and a tool for protecting profit, prestige, power and privilege (see post for  6/3/2017).  The operation of this government is controlled by the special interests of oligarchs and plutocrats, not by the People.

I know as I write, that there are those  who believe such talk to be socialistic, or at most communistic, when it is far more democratic, reflecting not the autocratic socialism or communism of misguided leaders and countries like Russia and China where democratic principles were distorted to enable dictatorial control of all aspects of life. The “brainwashing” of the citizens of this Republic over the last century has been so successful that now too many of our population cannot recognize democratic values.  They have been “taught” that emphasis on people’s rights, liberties and well-being are socialist and communist ideals.  They think that any good far-reaching program of government, like Head Start or Medicaid or even Social Security, are socialist or communist or at least government give-away-programs. 


And just where are they getting those ideas? From the very people who want to use government to their own ends; who want to control your thoughts and your desires and your shopping lists; who now have access to your interests through the internet, so they can stream just the ‘right’ recommendations of purchases into your consciousness. And it’s so subtle, you don’t even recognize that this is an autocratic use of mind-control.  By subtle and overt mind control techniques, many citizens are convinced that healthcare provided by government as a right, not a privilege, is a socialist plot.  And, all this time, the real perverters of democratic principles and values have been manipulating our brains to support their profit motives, thereby giving up democratic values to support the distorted principle of privilege for the few rather than insured well-being for the many. 

The Preamble to the Constitution puts forth what might be termed ‘motivations’ for the production of the document, or what we might refer to these days as the underlying purposes of the Constitution: to establish Justice, ensure Domestic Tranquility, to provide for the Common Defense, promote the General Welfare and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and to our prosperity.  We have seen under the Trump regime a much different approach to the purposes of our form of government and its principles. 

We have seen the institution of authoritarian principles and behaviors that have contributed to the undermining of our democratic and representative government.  We should refer briefly to a few examples of late that relate to what most would-be tyrants usually practice.

1)     incessant propaganda is a necessity for focusing on the leader, and for keeping a base of people uninformed and loyal.  The Big Lie technique is a must for this to be effective.  The Trump administration is now beyond expert at this technique.
2)     establish a full stable of scapegoats early on; and the Trump regime has done so quite successfully: Islamists, Mexicans, the poor and unhealthy or disabled, along   with intelligence and FBI agents,  and the “fake news” purveyors -- the press; all of whom are somehow weak, inadequate, dangerous or criminals.
3)     continually castigate the opposition; perhaps attacks on former President Obama are the most disturbing example among many
4)     destroy trust in government and its leaders:  this ranges from imbecilic appointees to naming people to departments they despise, to de-regulation; to destruction of consumer advocacy boards to the destruction of government experts and knowledgeable civil servants who have served honorably and well for years; attacks on government worker unions; delay in filling key positions, and on and on. 
5)     projecting an image of fervent patriotism (NFL taking a knee – Trump still making big fuss) and avid militarism – nothing like a President who bows down to a Russian dictator/killer but who tells North Korea’s leader and the dictator of Iran that they face exceedingly violent events.
6)     using and abusing the electoral process to gain complete control of government machinery and thus the ability to block opposition from successful vote-getting: restrictive IDs, closing Election Bureau offices, changing poll locations, voter rolls purged; plus, gerrymandering of districts are but the tip of the iceberg as Trump regime wars against the vote for “undesirables”
7)      using every aspect (institution) of society one can to cement an authoritarian advantage: religion, the courts, budgets, hate groups, children (at southern border). 

Having explored what may only be the tip of the iceberg, let us turn to what needs to be turned upside-down to rebuild our democracy that has begun to be de-constructed by this destructive regime.

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
As so many of you know, several of the problems facing us are the result of political ideology,  and party politics that tend to put everything into an ethos of control and power. In the  process of setting policy and operational mechanisms, that ethos comes to the fore and makes us aware that false ideology translates to:

·       politicians who ignore the opinion of the voters on many major issues such as comprehensive background checks on gun sales
·       representation often interpreted by office-holders as loyalty to their big donors, their lobbyists and lawyers; or to those who are the richest -1% among us
·        believing that winning election and re-election is more important than standing up for what is right for the other 99% of the people
·       supporting (and being captured by) a president who believes his way is the only way, and his status is all that matters
·       being willing to pass legislation without any great outcome for the People, but that actually brings harm to children, seniors and those challenged by disabilities
·       the undermining of the great truths and fundamentals that support and energize our form of  government

And so, a few thoughts on ways to return us to some of our most important basic values in order to place the People in the midst of the action, rather than on the periphery where politicians and aristocrats (Plutocrats) seeking power, status and privilege most like to see us!  In other words, here are some ways  to set the up-set governance system on its feet ready to confront the falsity and harmfulness of our current de-constructed system.

1.     We must take seriously the 9th and 10th Amendments that refer to rights ‘retained’, and powers ‘reserved’ to the People.  Problem is, politicians have basically ignored the enumeration of such rights and powers.  Why?  Because the more powers reserved to the People, the fewer they will retain as politicians.  Yet, this is exactly the correction, the balance, the check that we need right now – the meaningful involvement of the People in their own government’s programs and structures. Let me be bold enough to suggest a few radical changes (‘powers’) not delegated to the United States or to the states”:

a.     Ordinary people need to be on the inside of government structures giving advice and input on a continuous basis, primarily because our ‘representative’ democracy was formulated at a time when education was neither mandatory nor publicly funded.  Most young people were needed more as wage-earners than as students.  “Even as late as 1860, there were only 300 public schools, as compared to 6,000 private academies.”  (Richard C. Wade, et. al., A History of the United States with Selected Readings, Vol. I  p. 398).  In stark contrast, today, a large portion of the population have graduated from high school and college. Many graduates are likely to know more about some subjects, including governance, than the representatives they vote into office. 

This concept might be implemented in the form of advisory councils, commissions, or committees, etc.  Since there is nothing in the Constitution to prevent this, nor anything beyond advice and consent granted the Congress in specific circumstances, the ability to provide advice on a broader scale should not be precluded. Thus, I propose that Congress pass legislation requiring  all major offices and office-holders to have an advisory component, made up of both elected and appointed ordinary citizens from diverse backgrounds.  They must be provided the regular opportunity to propose legislation, regulations, social policy and organizational structures.  They could also be called upon to advise in any area that affects the general welfare of the People.   [see July 21, 2014 post for more detail]

b.      My second proposal revolves around citizen or consumer advocacy: that ordinary citizens be appointed to Inspector General offices to take part in evaluation and assessment of government offices in terms of meeting goals, carrying out mandates, spending budgets effectively and efficiently, and obeying regulations and laws as applied to consumer needs and necessities [see post of   05/02/2018 for discussion of attack on consumer advocacy, and above post for more detail on concept.]

c.      My third proposal revolves around two extremely important amendments to the Constitution: the first, to allow for a route of amendment by the people and not by the Congress; the second, to overturn the incompetent decision in Citizens United that allowed political bribery by corporations under the guise of the First Amendment right to free speech.  This is the prime example of a Supreme Court captured by a right-wing ideology that invites and allows corporations to control our most sacred democratic right to vote in elections free from special interests, monetary influence and control. Until this is overturned, we can not expect to have fair elections.  The Amendment must include a statement to the effect that “corporate entities are not individuals entitled to the rights granted to individual persons by this Constitution.  Further, it shall be unlawful for corporate entities  to attempt in any way to acquire or to abrogate the rights allotted to any individual by this Constitution.”   [please see March 26, 2014 post as well as 6/20/2010 for all proposed amendments]

d.     My final proposal in this category concerns the all-important freedom to vote as one’s conscience dictates, and to have that vote counted directly for the individual chosen to receive that vote.  The existence of the Electoral College is an abomination because it weights the votes of one state (or even a few districts) against those of another and interferes with the direct election of a person by the electorate, as in 2016.

The Electoral College was established as a means of the ruling class being a check upon the underclass.  The richer, more educated colonialists feared uprisings of the poor (and others) as did their forbearers in England and other European nations.  They wanted above all, to preserve their way of life, but also did not want to subject their new Republic to an unruly mob that might destroy its uniqueness.  Unfortunately, that tool of the rich colonialists used to preserve their lives and the life of democracy (or so they thought) has become a modern tool of the rich and powerful by which to destroy the ideal of one man-one vote and a means by which to keep the power they have accumulated and the profits they refuse to share.

That is enough for now.  But, we shall return to this examination of our principles in the Constitution in light of a new generation looking again at what they have inherited.  [more detail and overview available at post for March 23, 2014].

However, it is necessary to close with one more thought that few seem to address these days.  It is this:  the business of government is not Business, nor the aggrandizement of millionaires and billionaires.  Nor is it the business of government to increase the profit-taking and tax-avoiding strategies of Business.  Government, according to the Constitution’s Preamble, should be concerned about business and people under the purposes of establishing Justice, insuring Domestic Tranquility, providing for the Common Defense, promoting the General Welfare and securing “the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity.”  
             
Nowhere in the Preamble or in the Constitution itself are any direct references made to “promoting the special interests of Trade, Commerce or Big Business” – it doesn’t even mention small businesses!  What the Constitution does mention more than once is the regulation of Trade and Commerce by government, as in Article I, sec. 8:  The Congress shall have power “to Regulate Commerce with Foreign Nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian Tribes…”  and the power “To coin money” and “regulate the value thereof…”  No mention of promoting profit-making or of colluding with wealthy businessmen to fix prices, wages or pensions; no mention of “free trade’ or the ‘free market” or any other invented euphemism for “unregulated”.  
The only endeavor the Congress is called to promote is one that the Trump administration has endeavored to disenfranchise from public support, i.e.” the progress of Science and useful Arts”.

I submit to you this half-joking/ half serious thought: let’s give Business what they clamor for --- let’s give them a free market, in which there are no regulations except those needed to preserve life and liberty for the rest of us.  Let them operate freely without tax breaks, rebates or subsidies.  Let them be at the whim of the open market – no tariffs or taxes on foreign goods.  Let them operate entirely independent of government help in the Tax Code as well as all deregulation that can be granted without harm to others.  Let us see what matters in that ‘free market’ that is entirely unreal.

On the serious side: LET US BEGIN TO DIVEST OURSELVES of the control of this democracy by business interests. We are operating the government of, by and for the People as though the values of Capitalism are democratic values worthy of promoting and protecting, instead of regulating them. 

We continue to consult Business leaders rather than ordinary people;  we allow businesses to pay for expensive lobbyists to hog the government’s time, its money and its attention.  It is past time to declare our independence from the control of these corporate entities and to resurrect the people’s needs and opinions as our primary concern in the public sector.  More to come….

7/20/2018

RESISTANCE, INSISTENCE and PERSISTENCE = A NEW DAY IS DAWNING!


By now, we probably all know much of what Donald J. Trump said and did in Helsinki (and afterward).  I will spare you all the quotes, and instead  list a few examples of what some others had to say:

Donald Trump’s press conference performance in Helsinki rises to & exceeds the threshold of “high crimes & misdemeanors.” It was nothing short of treasonous. Not only were Trump’s comments imbecilic, he is wholly in the pocket of Putin. Republican Patriots: Where are you???  (John O. Brennan, in widely reported tweet (16 July 2018)

You have been watching one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president at a summit in front of a Russian leader that I’ve ever seen. (Anderson Cooper, in his first comments after the end of joint Putin-Trump news conference, as quoted in "TV Anchors Agape After the Trump-Putin Appearance" by Michael M. Grynbaum in The New York Times (16 July 2018)

President Trump must clarify his statements in Helsinki on our intelligence system and Putin. It is the most serious mistake of his presidency and must be corrected — immediately.  (Newt Gingrich, in tweet after the Helsinki summit news conference (16 July 2018)

Because Trump is unable to see past himself, he sees the Russia meddling investigation as only about him and the collusion claim, and thus calls it a witch hunt. But the investigations are much more about what Russia did, as the House and Senate reports long since established. 
This is a disgraceful moment. … The president’s party knows better. I know they do. I served with many of them. America needs them to speak out with clarity and conviction not just in this news cycle, but until there’s common sense governing America’s foreign policy.  (Brit Hume, on Trump's responses to questions at Helsinki, in tweet (16 July 2018)

And more from multiple sources:  Just a few of the comments that I heard on TV from politicians, guests on political news, experts in intelligence and many more related to the disastrous remarks made by Donald Trump at Helsinki press conference with Vladimir Putin.

giving aid and comfort to an adversary (“enemy”)
against his oath to “defend the Constitution of the United States"
Took word of a lying, murderous dictator against that of his own government
refused to back his own country; siding with Putin
Trump has colluded with Russia on cover-up of election interference (a cyber-attack) – an act of betrayal at least; is providing cover by questioning US intelligence services
investigation of Russian collusion is driving policy;  lack of concern about cyber attack

And so, bigger questions begin to arise:
 Is this enough to make Republicans stand up and defend this country instead of defending Putin and Trump?

While some leaders have come forth with very critical statements, like those of Senators John McCain of Arizona, Bob Corker of Tennessee, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, plus Gov. Kasich of Ohio, and others like John Brennan, former head of the CIA and Dan Coats, current CIA head, there are still very disturbing indications that the rank and file aren’t the least upset by the buffoonery and possibly treasonous behavior of Mr. Trump.

We need to take a look at a recent poll of 453 Republicans and 399 Democrats conducted by Reuters/Ipsos  after his controversial summit and joint news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. “More than half of Americans disapprove of the way U.S. President Donald Trump is handling relations with Russia,” 

However, his general level of support has not changed that much, according to that same poll:  “Forty-two percent of registered voters said they approved of Trump’s performance in office in the latest opinion poll, compared with a daily average of between 40 and 44 percent so far in July.”
“Among Republicans, 71 percent approved of his handling of Russia compared to 14 percent of Democrats.  Trump still enjoys broad support among Republican voters despite criticism from party leaders about his words and actions while standing alongside the Russian leader answering questions from reporters, the poll results showed.”

There may be another level of questioning being undertaken.  According to a report about cyber space, there was a decided jump in searches for the words “treason” and “traitor” – by over 1,300%!  Of course, there is no way to know what percentage of which Party was most concerned with these phrases, but one thing is clear:  people are questioning the substance of what Trump was displaying.

Finally, the NY Times identified a small break, perhaps, in the Teflon protection previously afforded Trump based on interviews held with Republican voters across the country, along with a sample of swing voters who “appeared to process Mr. Trump’s comments with alarm.”
But whatever ‘break’ there may seem to be over Russia and Trump’s performance at Helsinki, the Times had this assessment: 

“They quickly sorted themselves into two camps: those who winced at the episode, or at least questioned it, and those who continued to defend Mr. Trump without hesitation.

If history is a guide — and polling, too — the second group is significantly larger within the party. And for Mr. Trump’s true loyalists, the Helsinki meeting and its aftermath have once more inspired a sense of fury and grievance on his behalf. It is not merely that they support the president in spite of his Russia stance, like Republican lawmakers who grimace at times but largely embrace his agenda. Increasingly, these voters have absorbed Mr. Trump’s every viewpoint, his scapegoats, even his language tics as their own.”

And so, we come inevitably to a question that has gone unaddressed in too many quarters, (including in Congress and in the DNC, for instance):
Can people still support Trump and not thereby become complicit in “adhering to” and “giving aid and comfort to the enemy”?  In other words: supporting Trump now has the strong possibility of being translated into protecting and aiding Putin and Russia, an enemy sworn to destroy American influence at the least, and American way of life and form of government at most.

Is it therefore incumbent on the rest of us to defeat the forces of “aid and comfort?”  Personally, I believe it is time for the leaders of the Democratic Party to realize the gravity of this fight.  But just as gravely important are the attitudes and involvement of the grassroots voters in this fight. 

 I raise another question:  under these circumstances, can the complacency and inaction among grassroots Democrats and Independents also be seen as complicity in the battle for our values, our norms, our principles and our democracy?

We are now at a juncture in our history – like the Revolution or the Civil War – where we have to decide what matters; to decide what form of government we shall have.  To decide whether, in the words of the Declaration of Independence, the current government has become so “destructive…it is the right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundations on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”  
                          
The Declaration includes this caution: “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes… But when a long train of abuses and usurpations…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.”

It is now past time for resisters and activists to demonstrate beyond the picket lines that our form of government may be the best ever conceived, but right now, is in dire need of repair.  At such moments, and historic junctures, we must re-examine our fundamental principles and values.  Because, believe it or not, this fight between the forces of destruction, and the forces of construction and reform is always fought basically over principles and values.  Example:  the philosophy behind fascism or communism against the forces of democratic equality and freedom always comes down to the issue of what, above all,  is valued the most. 

We are in a battle for the principles of rule of law, not of men; of right and peace against war and destruction.  We are in a fight for the values of equality before the law and equal opportunity; for the ultimate authority of the People’s will – free and fair elections, for instance.  We are in a struggle to maintain the fundamental rights of all people to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness; which has to be translated into structures, institutions, policies and procedures that enhance that vision, not shatter it. 

We cannot allow attacks upon children, women, seniors, veterans; or, upon labor, those with disabilities and special challenges, the poor, that portion of the  population that is weak from age and disease.  We cannot abide the destructive and worthless values of narrow nationalism, false patriotism as well as racism and any other prejudice that might determine our future.  We must not give in to know-nothing forces that encourage the destruction of our environment (and our planet).  We cannot allow a contrary ethic of profit and enrichment for an oligarchic elite to finance the destruction of the humanitarian state that believes that the well-being of human beings transcends the division, the inequality and yes, the expense of maintaining an aristocracy that seeks to be free from the constraints and guidelines – norms – that the rest of us accept in order to enhance and protect the lives of all.

It is past time to re-claim our values and our foundational principles.  It will take another Declaration, not of Independence, but of common purpose.  And it will take a bolder spirit of reform and change than we have mustered to this point.  We must become the Vanguard of Truth, of Justice for all, of Equality and Opportunity - the front line, not just of resistance, but of INSISTENCE that our system has become encrusted with false values and with structures and institutions that are not in sync with a future that is impinging upon us at this moment. 
We have not been bold enough to make the changes that must be made to release our democratic values from the cage in which they  have been constrained, separated from their parental principles.  We must put People first, for that is what makes this country great.  We must resurrect our basic principles in new forms and structures that put people before profit.  We must rejuvenate our larger vision of a world at peace, and not at each other’s throats.  We must lead in re-strengthening a world organization, not withdrawing support and resources thus undermining it. 

There is so much to do, and so little time.  Let us Persist by not just opposing approval of Brett Cavanaugh for Justice of the SCOTUS.  Let us find someone (of whatever political background) who has shown dedication, not to a political philosophy or ideology, but to a set of humanitarian principles and values that will inform each decision made (perhaps similar to Obama’s nominee, Merrick Garland).  Let the people find him or her and let us tell Donald Trump and his captured legislators that this is who we want on the Supreme Court, rather than someone chosen by mouthpieces for the Right-wing radicals.  After such a clear alternative is presented to, and rejected by Donald Trump, let us turn to voting out of office all those who keep ignoring our values, our needs and our fundamental right to be heard on all matters before this government. 

Second step: we must Get Out the Vote in November to demonstrate that a new wave is breaking, a new movement is being born, and that representatives who cast their lot and their votes to maintain welfare for the rich are dinosaurs who cannot lead us from this lowest point of our democracy into a new world of Reform and Reconstruction – only the People have that authority and that resolve!  SO, let us resolve to vote in droves on November 6th, 2018, and let us alert Jurassic Park to expect some new residents!  

7/05/2018

INDEPENDENCE DAY – JULY 4, 2018



Do you ever wonder what it was like on that day in 1776? How did those presenters of the Declaration of Independence resolution feel on that first Independence Day?  Were they elated? Scared? Humbled? Excited?  Well, there were some varied reactions, and we ought to study them for a deeper purpose.  But, for now, let's take a slight detour and examine a few myths we have created.

The founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776
 John Trumbull's famous painting actually depicts the Committee of Five presenting the Declaration.

(1)  The founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  

“The Continental Congress actually issued an initial resolution asserting independence from Britain on July 2, which was then revised and finalized on July 4”.   However, it took longer for the Declaration of Independence document to be signed by the parties to it, and longer still to get everyone’s signature.  Historians believe that the signing didn't take place until about a month later. Emily Sneff, research manager of the Declaration Resources Project at Harvard University, writes that 49 of the 56 signers didn't even add their signatures to the declaration until August 2, 1776.   She cites the Journals of the Continental Congress, which include this August 2 entry: "The declaration of independence being engrossed and compared at the table was signed."

So why do we celebrate the 4th of July as Independence Day?  “The Declaration was technically agreed to on that day, and the copies distributed throughout the colonies were dated July 4, 1776.”
(2)  Independence was all about the Colonies and Britain.  Partly true, but not wholly true.  Remember, there were many colonists who saw Britain as their home country, and who remained loyal to her during the Revolutionary War and after.  There was also a larger conflict that played a role, and that was the long-enduring rivalry between France and England.  “The American Revolution took place on the heels of the French and Indian War — one of the theaters of the Seven Years' War between France and Britain.
That North American clash provided a prelude to the Revolution, launching George Washington's military career and prompting a victorious but cash-strapped Britain to raise taxes on its colonies. France's eventual decision to dive into the fight on the side of the colonists was a chance for payback.” 
The Liberty Bell cracked on Independence Day


(3)  The Liberty Bell cracked on July 4th, 1776.

“As the lore goes, after the colonies declared independence, the citizens of Philadelphia partied so hard that they cracked the bell, which was first made in 1751.” Well,  Philadelphians may like to party, but in this case they probably did not get the word that the declaration was official until July 8th. "On that day, lots of bells were rung to celebrate public readings of the Declaration, and the Liberty Bell was probably one of them," writes historian Joseph Coohill — who blogs about historical myths under the name Professor Buzzkill.

We have no way of knowing for sure, though, whether the bell cracked even though “the state house steeple in which the bell was housed was kind of falling apart and under repair at the time,”  according to the Independence Hall Association.
 
(4)  John Hancock's giant signature was meant to sass King George III
The story goes that when Hancock was asked why he had signed his name so large, Hancock quipped that he wanted King George III to be able to read it without his spectacles!  We know at the very least that the document was never sent to King George III.  We also know from other documents that Hancock signed that he just happened to have a large flourishing signature!

(Thanks to Wikipedia and Businessinsider.com for these portraits and quotes)
As always, Americans are somewhat expert at making-up stories that later are pretty much accepted by a large number of people as “gospel truth.”  But now that we have taken this detour, let us remind ourselves of some truths about our origins as a nation that may have meaning for today’s world.
 One of those truths relates to the ages of many of the people who attended the Continental Congress that declared Independence, and many who served in the Army of the Revolution under General George Washington. There were some elders there, Benjamin Franklin (in whose honor we are using a Franklin font today!) the most prominent, perhaps. He was age 70. Thomas Jefferson was 33 and Hancock was 39.  Because the average life expectancy  for men was about 35-45 in those days, the latter two would have been considered in the more mature age group! 

At the time of the signing of the Declaration, there were younger men anxious to be doing their part.  A few would include: James Monroe,18; Alexander Hamilton 21; George Pinckney 18 (later, governor of South Carolina); Henry Lee II (father of Robert E.) known as “Light Horse Harry” was 20; John Marshall, 20 and Nathan Hale, 21.  At 26-years-old, Edward Rutledge became the youngest signatory of the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.
The surprising truth is that there were many younger men drawn to serve in the Revolutionary War, in the halls of Congress and other bodies within a short time after 1776.  There may have been enough younger men involved to call the revolution by a more modern term – a Youth Movement!  Rather than dwell on men (women and slaves as well) who were part of this youth movement, let me, instead, draw your attention to some take-aways that need your  attention.
What can we draw from this?  Unfortunately, we can say – on this Independence Day of 2018 – that we have seen the start of something ugly and foreboding in our own time. We need young people to recognize that we live in one of those moments in American history, when we are threatened once more as a nation, by:
·       an authoritarian government attempting to undermine the foundations of our democracy; they themselves call it de-construction, but it is nothing short of destruction of values that underlie our Constitution and our institutions
·       a tyrannical leader who not only has raised taxes on the middle class, but has destroyed health care, undermined public education, and de-regulated almost every function of government that watches over our citizens;  soon, there will be few controls on business, injustice, inequality and unequal opportunity, so that the only group prospering will be the aristocracy
·       a Congress playing “follow the leader,” and turning over authority and power to the leader, rather than keeping its own separate duties and responsibilities intact, as an equal and independent branch of government
·       a Judiciary becoming the Trump-card for everything the Executive decides to undertake: approval for the roll-back of union rights, women’s rights, civil rights, and protection of children by outlawing gun mania. Support for refusal to admit Muslim immigrants from certain countries is a symptom of what is wrong with a judiciary that favors despotic restrictions.  
·       destruction of this country’s leadership in the world, undoing alliances and treaties, as well as agreements and protocols and building overt and covert relationships with countries that seek our destruction
Our young people must continue to stand up against gun violence, against an unequal and sometimes abusive justice system; against tyranny, and against lack of healthcare, the lack of extraordinary public schools and lack of a plethora of opportunities for a good life.  Will we need a Revolution?  YES, if this continues unabated; NO, if the tyrant is impeached and the do-nothing Congress is once again a place where the people’s business gets done, and is not undermined.
What else might we learn from July 4th, 1776 (and thereafter)?
Just one more thought perhaps.  “Independence” is an important virtue and value, especially in a democracy.  But when it gets carried to an extreme of nationalistic xenophobia, racism, or belief that one can be above the Law, or that independence means unbridled power to do what one wants rather than to build a community that nurtures, prevents harm and advocates individual contributions to a whole society, then we are in trouble. 
Independence is not individualism or narcissism, or superiority built on oppression and minimalization.  Independence is the ability to advocate for the right even when it is unpopular.  Independence is the strength to stand for something and someone, when others deny the worth of both.  Independence is the wisdom to know when something is out-of-kilter; out-of-whack; out-of-bounds, and inhumane, and then to act with a spirit that inspires others to respond with positive action.  Independence is running for the local school board.  Independence is speaking out when no one else will.  Independence is looking for the real solutions and the real root causes of human frustration, human need and human dignity, and doing something about it.
Independence cannot be taken for granted.  It must be experienced; it must be sought; it must be lived out on behalf of the community.  Independence is not resistance or rebellion for its own sake, or something one does just because one feels like it.  It is rather the joining of individual minds, wills and hearts to effect a revolution of spirit and vitality that transforms the community, the laws, the lives and the hopes of a sovereign people who care about who they are, why they exist, and for whom they can advocate for a better life, liberty and happiness.  In that spirit – hope you had a Happy Fourth of July!