Thomas Jefferson drafted the original version of the following passage in our nation's Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. While we are all familiar with this famous passage, I have prepared this modern day English version in hopes of opening a new and very relevant perspective for our readers. Please pay very close attention to the last sentence in this passage. It is key.
It is universally apparent that all people are created equal, and that they are granted at birth with certain rights. These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Governments are formed by the people to secure these rights, and the people have the sole responsibility for authorizing and monitoring the powers they grant to the government on their behalf.
Whenever any form of government fails to adequately protect the rights of the people, the people have the right to change their government and to redistribute power as they deem necessary to secure their principles and to maintain their safety and well-being. On this note, common sense should be used in making changes to a functioning government, with a singular focus on critical issues that will have a long-term affect on the people.
History has shown us that people will tend to remain complacent, often tolerating a lifetime of fractional ongoing governmental abuses, rather than taking the action needed to change the offending government,
But when a government consistently violates the trust of the people by diluting, compromising, and challenging their rights, it is the right of the people to protect themselves from such hostilities. It is the duty of the people to move beyond their frustration at this point, and to take responsible action, de-authorizing the offending government and providing new safeguards for their future security.
Is history repeating itself with our nation's current government? Are we, the people, derelict in our duty?
Brian Buckta
Written Impressions
103 S. State St.
La Farge, WI 54639
(608) 625-6372 / cell (608) 606-2062
brianb@wigrantwriting.com
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