King George III did not receive the Olive Branch Petition from the colonists well. Tensions between England and the colonists continued to escalate. After much deliberation at the Second Continental Congress-Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. There were many revisions and heartfelt discussions. 56 delegates from 13 colonies would bravely sign this document that officially separated America from England’s authority, dated July 4, 1776. The introduction (Preamble) to our country’s new government invoked human rights given to us by “their Creator” (God). Jefferson would write:

“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….”

These words are living today and apply to every person in our country. This would include the yet to be born living in mother’s wombs from conception to the very oldest person. The presumption here is love of God and love for one another. No person gets more rights, more votes, or exemptions from laws. Justice is justice for everyone.

To be continued…