It Was 231 Years Ago Today

No, Sgt. Pepper did not teach the band to play. And no, it didn't have to do anything with THAT British group, but definitely it had to do with another British group.

This document called the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress and it declared that the 13 colonies were henceforth free and independent of Great Britain. It was written mostly by Thomas Jefferson and borrowed heavily from other writings and political thought of the time. It was not signed on this date as most Americans believe.

"When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another...."

And, of course, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

I am not sure I would have signed the document or even approved it. These men, mostly wealthy, were putting everything, including their lives on the line. Failure would have meant the hangman's noose and there was no real reason to believe they could beat the strongest country in the world. Mighty brave men.

A few misconceptions of the event:

1. The famous John Trumball painting is not actually the signing of the document, but rather the presentation of it by the drafting committee. This gathering never took place.

2. The Liberty Bell was not rung as its tower was in disrepair. It's name "Liberty" was more from the abolition movement.

Even with all the problems, I's definitely rather live here than anywhere else.

Happy Birthday USA!!! --RoadDog