Monday Moment - Declare Our Causes!

"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 wqual 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."

I have always found this opening paragraph to the Declaration of Independence compelling. Yes, as a kid I was steeped in 4th of July traditions, Johnny Tremain, the film version of 1776, and all the romance of the American Revolutionary War. And as an adult, I'm still susceptible to the nationalistic trappings that often get confused with patriotism. I like marching bands, picnics, and fireworks.

But beyond the hoopla of this week's holiday, I do try to remember just what was in the minds of my country's brilliant, and imperfect founding fathers and mothers. Separating from England to form what could only be imagined at the time as a grand experiment was a big deal to the privileged men who met in Philadelphia in 1776. And I must say, I like that they felt responsible to show "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind" and that they felt compelled to "declare the causes which impel[led] them."

I think more of us should feel so compelled - to declare ourselves, our purpose, our intent, our carefully considered values, beliefs, and reasons for what we do. I'd like to see more of the "decent respect to the opinions of [hu]mankind" in myself - and I'd like to see more of it in the elected public servants to this land I call home.

I'd like to see less swagger and more substance, less posturing and more politeness, less reasoning to defend a position and more reasoning with to develop an understanding. I'd like to see less anxiety about the current poll and more genuine concern about how the next generation will view today's actions. I'd like to see less officiousness and more service, less blaming and more personal responsibility.

And I'd like to see this at all levels - in our elected and appointed public servants, our citizens, and in myself.

When in the course of my own human events, I here now so solemly pledge - "my Life, my Fortune, and my sacred Honor."