Facts For Patriots #3

In the beginning of July 1776 in Concord and Lexington fighting with the British had already started. While the inhabitants of New York were in quiet suspense and fearful anticipation, Congress at Philadelphia was discussing, with closed doors, what John Adams called, "The greatest question ever debated in America, and as great as ever was or will be debated among men." The result was, a resolution passed unanimously on the 2nd of July - "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States."

"The 2nd of July," added Adams, "will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forth forevermore."

This glorious event has, indeed, given rise to an annual celebration - but not on the day designated by Adams. The 4th of July is the day celebrated, for on that day the "Declaration of Independence," that solemn and proud document, was signed and adopted.

Tradition adds dramatic effect to this announcement. It was known to be under discussion, but the closed doors of Congress excluded the populace. They waited, in throngs, for an appointed signal. In the steeple of the State House was a bell, imported twenty-three years previously from London by the Provincial Assembly of Pennsylvania. It bore a quote from Scripture: "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof." The ringing of that bell gave notice that the bill had been passed. It was the end of British domination and the beginning of America.

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I know, I can't help myself but I just felt a need to add a quick "You Can't Make This Stuff Up" comment:

The U.S. Senate, in it's vast wisdom, passed a bill last month proposed by Senator Dick Durbin (D), that would manage to correct a little inconsistency in our drug laws. Until now the penalty for possession of crack cocaine was a sentence 100 times worse that for possession of powder cocaine instead. The Senate was able to get bipartisan support to fix that unfair disparity. They have now determined that it is only 18 times worse to have crack cocaine than powder cocaine in your possession. Excuse me, I think my head is cracking.....

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