“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…”
The United States has looked to these words as inspiration and reminder for nearly 250 years, marking the time when the people were elevated above the government in what was a truly revolutionary vision in 1776.
When 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, it set in motion the world’s greatest experiment in representative government, one the world has watched closely ever since.
The Declaration of Independence was the original “No Kings” protest, and with the July 4th holiday upon us, it’s a great opportunity to take stock in just how relevant the document seems to be today.
What Did They Say?
As the drafters outlined their grievances with the crown, they mentioned issues associated with due process of law, the obstruction of justice, and the abuse of judiciary power.
Today, we watch the president publicly disregard due process, challenge the courts to oppose him, and ridicule and threaten judges that do.
In 1776, delegates wrote, “He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance,” of the actions of the King of England.
DOGE anyone? The administration in 2025 literally created a new office intent on dismantling the government as we know it with no rules, regulations, or oversight.
As Americans became more opposed to the assault on immigrants in our country today, standing up and resisting the efforts of an unaccountable law enforcement agency, the Trump administration immediately moved to use the military to intimidate and control its own citizens.
In 1776, colonists wrote, “He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.”
Trump is rounding up and deporting immigrants, and detaining citizens without due process. In 1776 we rebuked the king “for depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury,” and “For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences.”
More than two centuries ago, we rebelled because the King of England cut off trade between the colonies and the rest of the world.
Today, Trump manipulates the world economy with tariffs, threats of tariffs, and social media-spun economic policies that have effectively debilitated our trade and hindered an economy that had shown consistent growth for a long time.
Perhaps most disturbing, is how Trump has sown discontent, and incited violent, subversive behavior among followers in moments he sees his power failing. In 1776, the king was accused of “excit(ing) domestic insurrections amongst us.”
Our time should not be so similar to the years leading up to the Declaration of Independence.
Here We Are, Spelling Out Grievances
The message was clear two centuries ago. It should be clear today. Government power comes from the consent of the governed. Whether or not a people is forced to dissolve its bond with a misguided or oppressive government depends on how quickly it acts within the structures in place to make change democratically.
It is critical that we understand that our grievances with the Trump administration are not small, they’re not petty, or simply partisan. These are not the traditional partisan divides over economic policies, social programs, and the like. They are grievances that touch on the very foundation our representative democracy is built on.
What’s at Stake?
Every day, the government chips away at our freedoms, testing the waters to see how much more it can take before we push back. In 1776, colonists were pushing back on a king operating in a world that to that point believed the monarch could not be challenged. In 2025, we must push back against a tyrant that wants to go back to that world where power and authority was not challenged.
If we do not insist on change, show the resolve, and create the pressure that leads to change through engagement, we will again find ourselves with few options and no more government by the people and for the people to depend on. We must stand up for what is right and vote for the change we demand – regardless of the roadblocks and hurdles placed in front of us – or we will find a much steeper climb down the road.
As long as we have the rule of law, and Americans who value our nation’s aspirations we have the opportunity to work toward a more perfect union. Those are the ingredients we can’t let go of.
Featured Image: Photo of John Trumbull Painting “Declaration of Independence”
Photo by Jim Trodel
Licensed Under CC BY-SA 2.0