July 4, 2006

© Dr. Gary D. Lemmons, July 2, 2006

The fact that Tuesday, July 4^th, will be the 230^th Anniversary of the birth of our nation merits some comment.  We are now the longest lasting republic in all of world history.  However, at the time of our birth, in that long ago July, we were not a republic.  Indeed, we were a fledging collection of 13 states with significant differences in views of how government should be implemented and what the role of government should be within the lives of the citizens. It would be another eleven years before the Founders of our political system would construct the Constitution…that venerable document that continues to this present day as the framework for our body politic.

When news of the Declaration of Independence reached the Continental Army under the command of General Washington in New York three days later, the entire complexion of that force changed.  The fact that the army was no longer a rebel force but now the armed force of an independent (albeit weak) nation provided the American forces under arms a sense of legitimacy that had heretofore not been enjoyed.

The Declaration of Independence was the birth certificate of the United States.  Just as a birth certificate provides the vital statistics of an infant at the time of natal entrance but not a description of the how the total person will develop as she or he moves into adulthood, through maturity, and toward demise, the Declaration provided a set of philosophical vital statistics (principles) upon which the people of the new nation would advance.

That journey has been long and compounded by various influences, not the least of which has been the development of American politicians.  It is unfortunate that our political system depends upon the “septic tank” that are political parties, interest groups, and life-long candidates.

On the positive, ours is by far the best and most democratic system of government in the world.  On the occasion of this Fourth of July, we would do well to remember that fact.  Also, in just a few days we will have an opportunity exercise the franchise in primary elections.  I trust that each of you will be present to cast your ballot within your chosen party’s (God help you) primary, and that you will resolve to return to vote in the general election in the fall.

Have a safe and glorious Fourth of July!