Thinking Out Loud about the Declaration of Independence

A few years ago, when I was in the company of Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, he encouraged those in attendance to read the Constitution of the United States and suggested we encourage our families and friends to do likewise. Recently, Justice Thomas renewed his call to action during a speech about the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution which he delivered at the University of Notre Dame. One of the sympathetic attendees, Star Parker, noted: "The presentation was a brilliant and profound articulation of what America is about at its core."?Here is what has been reported upon with respect to that speech.

The Problem and Challenge

Justice Thomas apparently shared his youthful experience which was influenced by the assassination of Martin Luther King. In his own words: "What had given my life meaning and sense of belonging, that this country was my home, was jettisoned as old-fashioned and antiquated…. It was easy and convenient to fill that void with victimhood. … So much of my time focused intently on our racial differences and grievances, much like today."

Justice Thomas recounts the impact of his more reasoned reflection: "As I matured, I began to see that the theories of my young adulthood were destructive and self-defeating…. I had rejected my country, my birthright as a citizen, and I had nothing to show for it."

The Situation

Since early childhood most of us have been taught to venerate the Declaration of Independence, but today many have embraced a cynical mindset. Justice Thomas reminds us that the idea that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights is fundamental to being an American. In reality, he notes: "the declaration of independence has weathered many storms for over 200 years. It built a great nation, and established the sin of slavery… While we have failed the ideals of the Declaration time and again, I know of no time the ideals have failed us.”

The Solution

Thomas allows that the Declaration of Independence, "establishes a moral ideal that we as citizens are duty-bound to uphold and sustain. We may fall short, but our imperfection does not relieve us of our obligation.” ?Star Parker summarizes Thomas’ message as follows: "There are eternal truths, they are true for all of humanity; and it is the personal responsibility of each individual to live up to them."

Such is the food for thought today. What do you think about it?