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Kenneth's avatar

We have to temper our understanding of the Declaration with the immovable fact that it was written by a man who owned slaves. If you're looking for any sign of hollowness in the promises made therein, let it begin with the consideration that "all Men" did not, in fact, include ALL Men.

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Fred Basset's avatar

When the signatories to the declaration stated that they pledged " our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor" they were not being hyperbolic. Their butts were on the line. If they lost they would be executed for treason, their property would be forfeited to the crown, and their families left destitute and ostracized. Find a similar display of courage today. The declaration is a masterpiece of political statement that was also a press release aimed at the wider British public, Parliament, and France. Sometimes a committee can get it right.

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