I am convinced history is too often ignored, not even considered for sack of debate.
The founding this country 250 years ago was no easy task. The initial intent was to remain loyal to the crown. We focus on the end result, with good reason, and often ignore the debate and compromise made in constructing the end result. Those drafting a declaration were from thirteen different colonies, some from the north and some from the south. And yes, some of the same issues that would result in a civil war, were among the discussions.
'All men are created equal' was believed to be that and include all men. (The term 'men' did not exclude women but was inclusive of all mankind.) It did not exclude those of other races but rather open the way for liberty for all. It would be years before the problem of slavery to be totally resolved but do not doubt the foundation was laid at this moment in time.
We must learn from the discipline of compromise through debate or rhetoric in order to continue the idea of liberty for all.
'Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' are not merely random words that were fitting of the day. These words are the foundation of things to come.
Life is bestowed by the creator, God, if you will, that should be protected at all costs. The taking of a life was to forfeit your own. However, even with this simple principal there was justification for the exception of war, which none of the founders wanted and went to great lengths to avoid.
The most intriguing part, 'pursuit of happiness,' does not guarantee happiness, only the pursuit thereof. It should be understood that one's happiness is contingent on the first two, Life and Liberty. It should also be recognized that if in some way you limit those for others, your rights to those are then forfeit. This idea is still being worked out as to the details. Sometimes, we get it wrong, but in time the way the founding fathers set it forth gave structure as to the ability to change it.
It wasn't perfect when it came off the press, however, for two hundred and fifty years we have been working on perfecting this greatest nation yet to be. Learn from history, learn history.
