On July 4, 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress of the 13 American colonies unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence announcing the colonies separation from Great Britain.  The Declaration summarized the colonies reasons for wanting the separation.

I love history, and especially American history.  At one time I studied the writings of Thomas Paine — a patriot who promoted the idea of the colonies separating from English rule.  Paine did not immigrate to the American colonies until 1774, barely in enough time to participate in the movement that resulted in America’s independence from his home country.

Today’s 4th of July Funeral Director Daily article is a reprisal of the article of the 4th of July 2021 with some simple updates

He did, however, pen a 47-page essay in February 1776, four months prior to the Declaration of Independence, entitled “Common Sense.”  That short document, which truly is about “common sense” laid forth some of the priorities and reasons for our nation’s declaration.

In the preface to the writing he contends that “The cause of America is in great measure the cause of all mankind.”  Without taking an attitude that “America knows best”, I still believe that the founding principles of America can and should be a cause for all mankind even today.

Here are some of the other “Common Sense” for independence that Paine highlighted in his 1776 pamphlet:

• “Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America.  This new world hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe.

• “It is the true interest of America to steer clear of European contentions, which she never can do, while by her dependence on Britain, she is made the make-weight in the scale on British politics.”

• “Even the distance at which the Almighty hath placed England and America, is a strong and natural proof, that the authority of the one, over the other, was never the design of Heaven.”

• For, as Milton wisely expresses, “never can true reconcilement grow where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep.”

• “. . there is something very absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.  In no instance hath nature made the satellite larger than its primary planet. . . “

• “For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries the law ought to be King; and there ought to be no other.”

• “It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies, yet our numbers are sufficient to repel the force of all the world.”

• “. . . until an independence is declared, the Continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity.”

 

As I read these quotes by Paine, I’m amazed at how common sensical, and not government speak that they are.  Paine was not one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, but his words gave great credence as to why the colonies should be independent.

More about Thomas Paine

Angie and I enjoying Bristol -2017

Finally, today I will bring you a little information about the longest running 4th of July celebration in American history.  The official and historic celebration and patriotic exercises have been an annual doing in Bristol, Rhode Island since 1785.  My wife, Angie, and I learned of this celebration in 2017 when our son’s high school band included marching in the Bristol parade as part of the annual Summer band trip.

Knowing very little about the event, we flew to Providence for a long weekend and enjoyed one of the finest long weekends we have ever enjoyed.  A great small town that celebrated it right!!!  We are planning to return for another Bristol 4th of July!!!

The Bristol, Rhode Island 4th of July web-site

Have a Happy 4th of July. . . . . May God Bless America!!!

Main Street
Bristol, Rhode Island
“America’s Most Patriotic City”

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