With Independence Day upon us, it is worth a moment to review these words excerpted from the Declaration of Independence, as potent now as they were in 1776 -- perhaps more so:
...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....
It's hard to believe that just a decade after these words were written, U.S. founders produced another document elevating property over human rights -- the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution was so far removed from the ideals in the Declaration of Independence that Revolutionaries demanded it be amended with the Bill of Rights. Thankfully they succeeded, or we would be in worse shape; the rest is history.
In just one month, modern day Revolutionaries will gather for the Democracy Convention in Minneapolis, August 2 - 6!
Join us for a deep dive into Democratizing the Constitution, just one of eight conferences taking place simultaneously. Join us in Minneapolis and practice democracy!
This convention is amazingly affordable, but if you're unable to go, please make a contribution to our scholarship fund so others with more limited resources can attend.
On this July 4, don't just celebrate independence, embrace your Revolutionary DNA!
Hoping to see you in Minneapolis!
https://www.democracyconvention.org/conference/democratizing-constitution-conference
