Americans have a reputation for being in a hurry.  Some criticize this characteristic by calling us “impatient” or “hasty”; others compliment us by saying we have “hustle”.  In fact, the United States is defined by “hustle” – it is part of our mental landscape.  We are perpetually trying to solve problems and improve our lives at top speed.

     Take a look at the Declaration of Independence as an example of American “hustle” (you do have a copy in your home, don’t you?  Right next to the Bible and a copy of the Constitution, of course).

     This year, the Declaration of Independence was read to the people of Boston at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4.  This has been a traditional annual observance since 1776; it takes place on the second-floor balcony of the Old State House.  The 2006 reading was preceded by a couple of hours of parades, band music, colonial musket drills, and dedications at the Granary Burial Ground.  Those who got to the square a bit early stood on the cobblestone circle where the Boston Massacre took place on March 5, 1770.

     It was a marvelous and remarkable observance.  Try to make it next year

     There’s a small but interesting fact about the Declaration of Independence.  Reading it aloud, slowly and solemnly, takes only nine minutes, from the stirring opening words:

     “When in the course of human events, …”

     through the challenge:

     “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness.”

to the oath of allegiance in the closing lines:

    “…, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

     That's just nine minutes to read our most important national document.  The Declaration of Independence is very short.  We certainly were in a hurry back then – “a hasty people”.  But that isn’t the whole story.

     In fact, we had been fighting the Crown of England for our rights for a year and a half before the Declaration of Independence was written.  From the beginning of 1775 until June of 1776, there was a chance of a reconciliation with England, the mother country for most of us.  Finally, on June 2, 1776, ten weeks after the Evacuation of Boston, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the first resolution to the Second Continental Congress calling for complete and total independence. 

    Colonial America had been quite patient for eighteen months, but when the time came, we took action.  That’s the way we are.  The rest is history.

    But the Declaration of Independence is not just a historic document.  It is alive and well, but it needs our constant vigilance to stay that way. 

    When you have five minutes to spare, read the Declaration’s list of grievances against the King of England, George III.  We think you’ll find them awfully familiar.  For example, one grievance says, “For imposing taxes on us without our consent”.  At the state level, our ‘07 budget dips into our rainy day fund to the tune of more than $500 million, and at the federal level, the pork and the earmarking is rampant.

    “He has made judges dependent on his will for the amount and payment of their salaries.” and “He has created a multitude of new offices, and sent swarms of officers to harass our people.” are two more grievances.  Doesn’t that sound like our present-day elected and appointed officials?  There is even a paragraph in the Declaration about poor handling of immigration.  Some things never change, but take heart – Election Day is coming.

In the meantime, have a wonderful, safe summer.  Relax a bit – don’t be too hasty.