Two hundred and forty-nine years ago, a group of brave individuals declared their independence, laying the groundwork for a nation founded on revolutionary ideals. The Declaration of Independence, penned in 1776, articulated principles that, while imperfectly applied at the time, offered a vision of a society built on fundamental rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Today, in a world often fractured by hate, division, and fear, it’s time for us to collectively declare a new independence — an independence from the very forces that threaten to tear us apart.
Imagine, for a moment, extending the profound wisdom of that original declaration. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all [people] are created equal…” This powerful assertion, when truly embraced, transcends gender, race, creed, and origin. It means all — women, men, non-binary individuals, and everyone in between — are endowed with inherent dignity and worth. It means that who you love, how you express your affection, and the consensual relationships you forge are deeply personal choices, sacred and beyond the purview of judgment or discrimination.
Furthermore, the pursuit of happiness must encompass the freedom to believe, or not believe, as our hearts dictate. Freedom of religion, or indeed, freedom from religion, is a cornerstone of a truly free society. Our spiritual or philosophical paths are individual journeys, and a just society respects the autonomy of each person to find their own truth, live from their own heart, and connect with something greater than themselves in their own way. Living from the heart means leading with compassion, empathy, and an understanding that our shared humanity is far more significant than our perceived differences.
And what of liberty? The Declaration speaks of rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In our modern context, liberty must extend to due process for all, without exception. This means that every individual, regardless of their origin or immigration status — legal or not — deserves fair treatment under the law, the right to be heard, and protection from arbitrary action. The principle of “we are all One” demands that we recognize the inherent humanity in everyone, understanding that the well-being of one is intertwined with the well-being of all. When we deny fundamental rights to any group, we diminish the liberty of us all.
Declaring our independence from hate, division, and fear isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s a practical necessity for our collective survival and flourishing. It means actively dismantling systems and prejudices that perpetuate “othering.” It means fostering empathy and understanding across perceived divides. It means recognizing that our strength lies not in uniformity, but in the rich tapestry of our diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities.
Let us, then, collectively reaffirm the spirit of 1776, not just as a historical event, but as a living, breathing set of principles. Let us declare our independence from the forces that seek to divide us, and instead, embrace the profound truth that “we are all One.” In doing so, we don’t just honor the past; we build a future worthy of the highest ideals of liberty, justice, and true happiness for all.
With all my heart,
Kevin McDonald
