early bloggers
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John Adams to Abigail Adams
3 July 1776: The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore.
You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend those States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph in that day’s transaction, even though we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.
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In an era of iconoclasm, the meaning of July 4th stands a good chance of being so ritualized that the symbol replaces the symbolized. In light of our contemporary history, this deserves to be read in its entirity: The Declaration of Independence.
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Study Guide
While you read it, it is an instructive exercise to keep George W. Bush in mind instead of King George of England. It is amazing how many of the framer’s complaints are exactly our complaints now – absolutely amazing! Then, with the idea of ‘a petty tyrant‘ in your mind, re-read Murray Waas‘ new article.
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