Depth Before Dishonor

The American Experiment itself is an idea as much as it is a national experience. It is an idea that transcends place and provides a baseline on the macro level for the ideology of a country, as well as on a micro level for the life of an individual.
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As we mark the birth of our nation's independence this July 4 traditionally we do so with family gatherings, barbecues, fireworks and beer. I plan to do the same and think it is a wonderful way to celebrate this great holiday.

However, we need to add something to the celebration. At a time when many gather together discussing such issues as: Who is a more powerful couple, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, or Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris? I had this discussion last night, so no finger pointing, but we can improve our sense of self and in turn our sense of country, if we and our media broaden the scope.

As mentioned, there is nothing wrong with a little "water-cooler" type chat; it only becomes a problem when that is the majority of discourse. The other problem is when we and our media turn even important discussions into shallow sound-bites filled only with surface information. And, often times, what is most troubling is when we only hear information with only one slanted point of view.

The good news is we can do something about it and there is no better time to start than on Independence Day. The reason is because we have the one document at our finger tips that put enlightened thought into action.

Much of the sentiment in our Declaration of Independence stems from the ideas and writings of the great Enlightenment thinkers. The words of such philosophers the likes of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Adam Smith and many others set forth the ideas of Ben Franklin, Thomas Payne, Thomas Jefferson and many of our Founding Fathers.

The American Experiment itself is an idea as much as it is a national experience. It is an idea that transcends place and provides a baseline on the macro level for the ideology of a country, as well as on a micro level for the life of an individual.

They did not just stitch together words but the thoughtful process that went into every single word, why they were chosen and where they were placed in our sacred text took months of deep thought and communication. Thomas Jefferson is given credit for penning the words but many others, especially John Adams, Ben Franklin and some lesser known like Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston gave their input before anyone put their John Hancock on it.

A few years ago, we adopted a family tradition from a dear friend, and now every year, I share with my readers and viewers the Introduction and the Preamble of the document that started it all. We read these revered words at our barbecue and hopefully you will wish to do the same. Then, take it one step further and discuss some of the individual words and sentences. I am certain that you too will find the conversation exhilarating as the discourse not only fills your heart, mind and soul but is as much fun and entertaining as any great power couple debate. I am willing to bet my Brad and Angelina against your Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello.

Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies

In Congress, July 4, 1776

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation

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, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Wishing all of you a joyous Independence Day and remember, you can have as much fun in the deep end, as the shallow end of the pool.

Barry

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