by Jack Lee
“When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
The Declaration of Independence deliberately begins with the premise that it is sometimes necessary to engage in open revolt against an oppressive authority in order to re-establish the God-given rights of a civilized people, that by their stature warrant a free and just nationhood.
This one grand paragraph grants authority to dissolve any tyrannical relationship. It’s our legacy and its intended to serve as a reminder to the free and a warning to the tyrant.
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Richard Henry Lee on June 7, 1776, introduced the following resolution to the Second Continental Congress proposing independence for the colonies. The Lee Resolution contained three parts: a declaration of independence, a call to form foreign alliances, and “a plan for confederation.”
This resolution reads: “Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.
That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.”
Richard Lee was asked to write the Declaration of Independence, but he deferred to his good friend and ally, Thomas Jefferson. This humble resolution was the beginning of many great things that followed.