Declaration of Independence Marks 249 Years of Founding Principles

The Declaration of Independence, signed 249 years ago, remains a foundational document asserting the natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and establishing that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Its principles inspired the American Revolution and laid the groundwork for abolishing slavery in parts of the United States, becoming a moral touchstone for abolitionists and advocates of equality. Despite its historic significance, many Americans today are unfamiliar with the full text and deeper meanings of the Declaration, which articulated the right of people to alter or abolish destructive governments. Contemporary critiques highlight concerns that the vision of a nation governed by laws—a vision articulated by Thomas Paine and central to the Revolution—is under threat, particularly pointing to actions by President Trump in 2025 that some view as undermining diversity, equity, and inclusion, echoing grievances against King George III. The drafting of the Declaration was a deliberate act by leaders like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who crafted it as a bold assertion of rights against monarchy and tyranny, using powerful rhetoric to rally support for independence. As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, there is a call to recommit to the ideals of equality and liberty enshrined in the document and to defend the democratic principles it established.