As we marked the Fourth of July, other writers shared new takes on the Declaration of Independence—some satirical, some serious, some reminding us that the original still speaks volumes. Here’s mine, still timely and rooted in today’s struggles for democracy and justice.
When a government no longer serves its people—when it threatens their rights instead of protecting them—those people have the right to change it. Governments are created to serve their citizens, not the other way around.
When power is concentrated in the hands of the few, when wealth and privilege silence the voices of the many, and when justice and equality are at risk, the people must take action.
We hold these truths to be self-evident:
All people are created equal. No person is born to rule over another. Wealth, race, gender, religion, or birthplace do not determine a person’s worth.
All people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No government, business, or religious institution should deny anyone those rights.
Governments exist to serve the people, not to control them. A just government must protect individual freedoms, ensure fairness, and respect the will of the majority while safeguarding the rights of all.
When a government becomes corrupt, oppressive, or unjust, the people have the right to change it.
Our nation was founded on those principles, but today, we face new threats:
Some people seek to rule like kings and dictators, dismissing laws, silencing critics, and placing themselves above accountability.
Some would impose one religion upon all, denying the freedom to believe—or not believe—as each person chooses.
Some manipulate the system so that a powerful few—through wealth, influence, and gerrymandered elections—can control the many.
Some seek to bend the courts to their will, eroding judicial independence and turning justice into a political weapon.
Some use fear, division, and misinformation to strip people of their rights—whether it be the right to vote, to protest, to control their own bodies, or to seek a fair wage.
Some see equality as a threat, rather than the foundation of a strong and free society.
These are the same kinds of abuses the Founders rejected when they declared independence. Just as they stood against tyranny, so must we.
We declare that the United States must be a democracy of, by, and for the people—not the wealthy, not the powerful, not a single faith or ideology. We reaffirm that our rights come from being human, not from any ruler or party.
To those who would deny freedom, silence dissent, or place themselves above the law, we say no.
To those who believe in justice, equality, and the promise of a better future, we say yes.
The struggle for liberty did not end in 1776. It continues today. And as long as injustice exists, we will stand for what is right.
Signed,
The People of the United States
We must remember and stand true to our founding.