Happy birthday United States of America

“Government’s only reason for existing is to serve the people. If we are to serve their needs, we must cast all politics aside. We must demonstrate that the government deserves the people’s trust.” Ronald Reagan

July 4th is the date each year that is set aside to celebrate the founding of our nation, the United States of America. On that date in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. This bold document was written to declare the 13 colonies of Great Britain located on the continent of North America were no longer to be ruled by the King of England and his servants.

This declaration made some rather bold assertions.

The first assertion was to declare the former colonies were now 13 united States of America. Notice, the word “united” was not capitalized. These states had no intention at this time to form one nation, but 13 nations. They were united in their grievances against King George, and at this time were determined to become independent of England’s control. The word “state” referred to the fact each former colony now considered itself to be an independent nation, with its own laws and government.

These 13 distinct nations were united, however, in their determination to separate from Great Britain. In the “Declaration of Independence” they stated many reasons why they were separating. This was no seat-of-the-pants decision. The grievances were many and serious.

Interestingly, many of their points make sense even today.

The first assertions were that: all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; and that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

They further said that to secure these rights the governments are instituted. They further asserted that governments derived their power from the consent of the governed.

The Declaration of Independence continues with a long list of grievances against the King of Great Britain, who was the ruler of these 13 colonies.

After itemizing the grievances, the signers of the Declaration of Independence stated that any and all previous allegiance and political connection between the 13 colonies and Great Britain were totally dissolved.

They continued with the declaration that they were now “Free and Independent States” and had all the powers to wage war, conduct peace, make alliances and to do all other acts and things which independent states (nations) have the right to do.

In other words, the people of the 13 colonies declared that Great Britain was not serving the people. Instead, the government had established a tyranny over the citizens and no longer deserved the allegiance of the people.

Of course, the King demurred and sent his troops and navy to enforce the King’s control over the people.

In the midst of the Revolutionary War, the 13 independent nations formed an alliance under the “Articles of Confederation” ratified in 1781 and was in force until 1789, when it was replaced by the present Constitution.

The war for Independence continued until Feb. 4,1783, when King George III issued a “Proclamation of Cessation of Hostilities, ending the American War of Independence.”

The united States continued to struggle along under the “Articles of Confederation” until March 4, 1789, when the United States Constitution took effect. Exactly 12 years and nine months after the original “Declaration of Independence” was signed, the people had established a government that deserved the people’s trust.

July 4th is the date the people’s representatives declared independence from tyranny. The United States remains the most successful republic in history. We still struggle, however, to meet the definition of President Ronald Reagan. Many people, both in and out of government, seem to act as though the people are here to serve the government.

This is a good time for all of us to review both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. You will be surprised at what you find therein and equally surprised what you do not find in these documents. Happy Birthday, United States of America!

Mike Lang, Chairman, Union County Republican Central Committee