OPINION: Taking a closer look at declaration

The Declaration of Independence, which we celebrate on July 4, did not declare independence from England, but stated the reasons and justification for the formal separation from England which had already occurred.

In a brief analyzing of the Declaration of Independence, the first section states the reason for writing a declaration. The second section summarizes the philosophy behind the declaration. The third section is directed directly against King George III, not the English Parliament, by citing the accumulated grievances of many years of tyranny from King George III. The fourth section expresses regret that Americans had not been supported by their English brethren. The fifth section asserts the political sovereignty of the 13 United States of America.

According to political theory of the declaration, severing ties with the mother country (England) was warranted because King George III defaulted on the obligation to protect his subjects.  Allegiance and protection are reciprocal, the one ceasing when the other is withdrawn. Government is a social contract which people put themselves under to protect their unalienable rights.

After the Revolutionary War began, Congress appointed a committee to draw up a declaration of independence. On the committee were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston. Jefferson, who was one of the best read delegates of the Second Continental Congress, was unanimously selected by the committee to prepare the draft, and it was approved with a few changes by Congress.

Jefferson was not a brilliant speaker, but proved himself an able writer of law and resolutions. He showed a talent for clear and simple English that the more experienced legislators quickly recognized.  Throughout his eventful life, Jefferson regarded the Declaration of Independence as his greatest achievement.

Few people are aware that on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Fourth of July, 1826, Thomas Jefferson died at 83 years of age.

The Declaration of Independence was not a piece of old parchment to the Founding Fathers — it was an issue of life and death. The signers of the declaration knew they faced charges of treason, punishable by death if they lost the war to England.

I doubt if we would be here today if it weren’t for men like Thomas Jefferson. So help us God! —Tony Kimberlin, Libby