The first time I read The Declaration of Independence, was just after I got divorced. I was struck by how personal it felt to me.
Change a few words and I saw my right to do what was best for myself, even if it meant leaving my marriage….
“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…
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.”
Yesterday I printed out a copy of the Declaration of Independence and Jon and I read it out loud. With a little tweaking, much of it could have been written about the current administration.
“A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”
It’s powerful writing, even with all its flaws, to still to have such relevance 250 years later, both political and personal.
As Jon and I sat listening to Zohran Mamdami’s speech to commemorate the countries birthday, I found myself drawing a flag on an envelope. First I replaced the stars with tears, then with one of my “Nourishing Tears” crying eyes.
Maybe I’ll paint my new flag on canvas and take it to the next No King’s Protest.
The Nourishing Tears Flag is absolutely right on for my present state of mind and heart. A great protest symbol!
I also listened to Mamdami’s speech, with the right balance of seriousness and hope at this moment . I especially appreciated seeing the people who stood to either side of him. We are constantly writing history, but I have never been more acutely aware of the consequences.
I was picturing the flag in my mind today LoisJean, how I would paint it. Thanks for your enthusiasm. Mamdami gives a good speech,and he young enough to do some good for a long time to come.