Monday, June 11, 2012

The Committee Of Five...!

Some of our founding fathers were very well spoken, at least on paper.

That had to be the driving force of the appointment of the five men to form the "Committee!" I can only imagine what an undertaking that was!


Jun 11, 1776:
Congress appoints Committee of Five to draft the Declaration of Independence

On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress selects Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Roger Sherman of Connecticut and Robert R. Livingston of New York to draft a declaration of independence.

Knowing Jefferson's prowess with a pen, Adams urged him to author the first draft of the document, which was then carefully revised by Adams and Franklin before being given to Congress for review on June 28.

The revolutionary treatise began with reverberating prose:

When, in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the Causes which impel them to the Separation.

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 the Pursuit of Happiness.

Congress would not tolerate the Committee of Five's original language condemning Britain for introducing the slave trade to its American colonies as a cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life & liberty. Those distant people who never offended would have to wait another century and for another war before their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness would begin to be recognized.

Those words still move me, no matter how many times I read them or hear them or even think about them!

Coffee on the patio this morning. I have tea for all that want it instead!

11 comments:

Sixbears said...

It's always inspiring to go back to the original documents. Deep thinkers back then.

Phyllis (N/W Jersey) said...

Me thinks our elected people in Washington should re-read those words every day until maybe, just maybe, it finally sinks in....

I'll bring the honey cakes!!

Momlady said...

And it says freedom of, not freedom from. Wonder when the ptb will recognize that.

linda m said...

I must agree with Phyllis. Our elected officials do need to re-read those words and to do it often until it does sink in. Also as Momlady said - freedom OF religion, not freedom from religion. Now that I have said that tea actually sounds good this morning!

HermitJim said...

Hey Sixbears...
If we take the time to actually read and comprehend what the words mean, they are inspiring!

Powerful words and courageous men!

Thanks for coming over today, my friend!


Hey Phyllis...
According to what the folks there say, they don't have the time to read anything!

Most of them could stand a little re-education!

Thanks for coming over today!


Hey Momlady...
I don't think the majority of them ever will "get it!"

Thanks, lady, for coming over today!


Hey Linda...
Looks to me like we are all on the same page today! Somehow that doesn't surprise me one bit!

Tea is ready for ya this morning!

Thanks so much for coming by this morning!

JO said...

Good to re read this, they are great words of wisdom.

Sorry I'm late dreaded laundry day.I sure can use a nice hot cup after that.

HermitJim said...

Hey JoJo...
I'm not fond of laundry myself, so I understand!

Don't worry! I saved ya a spot!

Thanks, sweetie, for coming over!

Labrys said...

Ah, laundry....yes, ahem, ongoing.

I am inspired by your words about the Committee of Five as well, also inspired by your patio. Think I will move my outdoor table and chairs TO my patio today.

I bought new coffee, it needs more perculating as it is a mite weak. Like the minds of modern politicians who find grasping the original language of our Founding Fathers too difficult to understand and sustain.

Dizzy-Dick said...

It seems hat the younger generation only pusues the happiness part.

HermitJim said...

Hey Labrys...
Glad you enjoyed both the read and the patio!

On the coffee, maybe adding an extra scoop will impart the flavor you are after! I have to do that sometimes if I switch coffee!

I sure am glad you could drop by today!


Hey Dizzy...
Guess they forgot that all they enjoy today was paid for by folks they will never know!

Let's hope that there comes a time in their lives when they can read and appreciate the writings of those like the Committee of Five!

Thanks, buddy, for coming over this morning!

Unknown said...

We as a nation should cease thinking Party but person.I think Party is outdated.An the last few years has proved it!