4th of July Special
SGR’s 10 in 10 Note – July 3, 2024
It’s almost the 4th of July—a time for parades, backyard barbecues, short work weeks, long weekends, and fireworks. Perhaps along with all the festivities and at a time when many believe the country is at a crossroads, this is a good time to assess how present-day America is striving toward the U.S. government envisioned by our Founding Fathers. It’s a good way to determine who we are and who we choose to be moving forward.?
The 4th commemorates the anniversary of the Continental Congress’ signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The document is now 248 years old. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it is one of the founding documents of this nation. Unlike the other founding documents, the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding, but it is powerful. And, by detailing the grievances against an absent king draws a contrast between what we allow and what we disavow in how we are governed. In short, it defines the principles that provide the foundation of our government and our identity as Americans.
Most of us are familiar with the language of the preamble. 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, and that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
It’s everyone’s favorite part and, frankly, for many, it’s the only part they know. It also shows that as forward-thinking as the Declaration of Independence was, it was also a reflection of its time. The phrase “All men are created equal” mainly applied to white, male landowners. The rights of women, the enslaved, American Indians, and others were not a part of the Declaration of Independence. We would spend much of the ensuing centuries working to figure that out. And, it seems we’re still working on it.
The heart of the Declaration of Independence probably lies in the 27 grievances it portrays. These are listed individually in the document (see the link above). I won’t go through them all (but I encourage you to do so), but some are worth noting.
It’s worth noting that nothing happens in a vacuum. In your assessment of our standing, there may be a tendency to equate an English king and an American president in a contrast and compare exercise and leave it at that. But there are three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial. The Founding Fathers devised this system to prevent the misuse of power by any of these branches, along with a system of checks and balances that were supposed to encourage the branches to work together so that the government works for all of the people. How’s that working out and is it still important to us?
By portraying what Americans would not allow in terms of how we would be governed, in 1,320 words Jefferson subtly laid out the structure and guidelines that would serve America and Americans well for the next two-and-a-half centuries. So, should we continue the path our forefathers set for us—knowing that the essence of the America they envisioned would always be in the promise of America—or will we choose a different course?
Now I’ll let you get back to your parades and barbecues.?Happy 4th of July, everyone.
All SGR offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
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Applied physics.(JOIN ME) the work presented here is entirely new
4 个月(continued) I believe it is vital not only to provide updates, (please see my previous comment above,) but also [it is] vital to provide solution(s). Join me, in ushering in a new age of understanding. One principle defines nature, robust entanglement. Nothing truly collides Understanding nature in this way allows us to realize energy in four new ways; to experience atomic interactions, chemistries, mathematics, physics in a new way; to educate our children and adults better, as we come to understand the human condition and nature better; and finally, to understand the physical connection of me to you, you to me. Now would you to please join me and 185 distinguished faculty, academicians and theologians, and industry professionals, some of which are listed under profile in "letter of invitation."?There are five discussions you may join: physics & mathematics; and four discussions "downstream,"?including theology, diet & disease, aging & evolution, education and cognition, in light of this one principle. Join me, and let's gather to return to the farms of old, outlaw this unbounded, unruly corporate form generating the wars and death we see, and join me to invert the hierarchy of power in government MARK applied physics
Applied physics.(JOIN ME) the work presented here is entirely new
4 个月If we were to provide update here in America, on this 4th of July, what would it look like? Runaway inflation makes new strides into the American landscape, destabilizing entire local, state and federal economies, as folks realize and attempt to survive 10% rates annually, since coming off the gold standard in 1971, in plant, equipment, land, homes, cars,...(a home, a car in 1971 cost $14,000 & $1,200. Today those assets cost $1.5 Million & $60k.) Private banking interests, operating without oversight, without audit, both unelected and appointed, continue to set interest rates, destabilizing Federal, state and local economies, even the American family, all mired in debt, just to survive, now faced with unsustainable monthly debt obligations. Public spaces like the federal government, state and local governments may soon fall prey to private interests, and private companies, to provide city service(s), much like the prison industry, already capitalizing on public policy(s) and drug war(s). The line between federal official and private corporate practice continues to blur as officials and public policy continue to serve private interests, now entering more conflicts around the globe. MARK applied physics