I Actually Read the Declaration of Independence

And what struck me most were the grievances: a list of accusations against King George III that feel more pointed and poetic than any speech today.

This Fourth of July, I won’t just wave a flag - I went back and read the actual Declaration of Independence. Not the myths, not the musical - but the original words.

And what struck me most were the grievances: a list of accusations against King George III that feel more pointed and poetic than any campaign ad today.

Some stood out:

“He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant... for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.”

“He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone...”

“He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.”

“For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences.”

“He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners.”

“He has erected a multitude of New Offices…”

“He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.”

“He has obstructed the Administration of Justice…”

“He has excited domestic insurrections among us…”

“A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”

These weren’t vague complaints - they were a meticulous indictment of concentrated power, manipulation of law, suppression of dissent, and the erosion of representative government. Worth reading. Worth remembering.

Understanding the words of the Declaration deepens the meaning of Independence Day—not just as a celebration of freedom, but as a reminder of what it takes to stand up to power and demand justice.