We hold these truths to be self-evident

It was a joy again this morning to hear the Declaration of Independence read on NPR. Always get emotional when I hear those words and consider the courage of those who put their lives on the line and took on a tyrant. Among the list of grievances:

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

We fought a revolution against signing statements, DOJ abuses, extraordinary extradition and Guantanamo. It is a shame that 232 years later the Democratic leadership of Congress and our Presidential nominee are so afraid of losing a few votes (in an election that takes place as the current administration enjoys a 24% approval rating) that they acquiesce to this King George. So much for lives, fortunes and sacred honor.