Well it's been a nice ride but we're here, the last paragraph of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson has laid out his claims, his beliefs and previous actions, now he has one move left: to explain the final move in America's conflict with Britain. Let's break it down, just as we have every other part and take the time to reflect on one of the most influential documents you will ever read: "We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, 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; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." Let's not ignore the significance of that first part, "we". Let's remember a fundamental problem in understanding the Declaration is the debate over "we", "all men" etc. Jefferson is right, they are representatives, these men were chosen by state leaders to represent them in the Continental Congress. Of course, many Americans had little actual say in these proceedings, similar to how about 8% of Americans chose our current Presidential candidates because of our current electoral process. They are speaking for everyone, even those who do not believe these things. It also is interesting that they are representatives of the "united States of America" notice what we would call improper punctuation here. This was what Jefferson meant though; states that are united in a land called America. This also sets up a clear "us and them". Remember, they are still British citizens and subjects. They are leading an insurrection at this point, not a war. They have been fighting for British rights preserved in the Magna Carta and Petition of Right. Yet, now we use the phrase for the first time "united States of America". It is a phrase that will become even more debatable in the Civil War, but that's for another seminar. We are throwing our claims out to the "Supreme Judge of the world". I told you, the Declaration changes audiences faster than Usain Bolt runs and here he is pleading to the world. "Hear our cries Europe, hear our despair and act as an arbiter. We may be little and pathetic but our concerns and our problems involve you. For if they happen here they could very well happen there." Funny how that same sentiment is being used today throughout the world but our role has changed. Now we are the mighty listening to the pleas of the oppressed minorities. Historical context makes our decision-making more complicated and yet we still find ways to be hypocritical and inconsistent without thinking about this fact. Now Jefferson moves to the point of the whole document (way to bury the lead) and when you think about it these are huge moves to make. No wonder it took so many months to debate this: 1. America is comprised of free and independent states (like I said, this would be a fierce debate for the next 100 years of American history). Note: He also adds the fact not only is this true in practice (salutary neglect) but also in theory. This is the way it should be, not a problem to be fixed. 2. That we are absolved, in other words no longer duty bound, of our obligation to England. They have forfeited that right with their actions. That contract is now void between us. The word "absolved" also has that Christian flair to it that helps give it gravity. 3. All political connections are gone between our two countries. Now at first I wonder why you need this point if you have the second one but I think it's a logistical thing when it comes to the sovereignty of royal governor and British tax collectors, etc. It's saying that our heart and our hierarchy are free to start anew. Once again, think of the word absolve, we have a clean slate and the sins of the past are being washed away. Note: Again he makes the point that this is right in theory and practice. 4. These states have the power to: declare war, conclude pace, levy taxes etc... Pronouns are important and notice this time Jefferson does not say "we" he says "they". This once again enforces something that people don't really recognize anymore in this country, we are not really one sovereign nation but an alliance of independent states. I mean by his definition South Carolina could have ended the war in 1780 by making some deal to England and selling out Georgia. This explains why Jefferson will always be worried about a strong centralized government and it also explains why people like Alexander Hamilton will meet such resistance trying to unite our states into a more uniform and national policy. What matters more in our name "United" or "States"? That question's answer has changed dramatically since 1776. Then, in the very last sentence, Jefferson comes back to "we" because he likes to complicate things. These states, these soldiers, these delegates may be free and independent. They may get to decide all these things that he mentioned above.... HOWEVER All of these different connotations of the "we", are taking the time to pledge to each other some things. In other words, we are freely and independently agreeing and uniting on this common ground. We promise our lives, our fortune and our honor. Dang, that's pretty hardcore. That shows the gravity of the time they are living in. We may bicker, we may not agree on much but we 13 colonies agree that it is time to break away and we all agree that in order to this we must be fully committed. We are willing to sacrifice all that we have for a common cause, and what a glorious one at that, a world where all people have natural rights. A world where the government is responsible to the people. A world where incompetence and tyranny will not be tolerated. Jefferson and the Founding Fathers created a vision. Have we achieved it? No. Does that lessen its greatness? No, I think it enhances it. It sets a standard to which we should be striving for. It also introduces a conflict about the role of the states and our national government, a conflict that will become the bloodiest one in American history some four score and seven years later.
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