Have we been reading the declaration of independence wrong?

[1911ly]

Have we been reading the Declaration Of Independence wrong?

 

[actaeon277]

I don't see the difference, period or not.

 

[KLB]

Her argument is that besides all proof to the contrary, that the founding fathers thought the government should protect our rights. Not that they needed to be protected from the government.

 

[actaeon277]

Her argument is that besides all proof to the contrary, that the founding fathers thought the government should protect our rights. Not that they needed to be protected from the government.

By looking at the sentence both ways, without her "explaining it to me", I still don't see the difference.

 

[Leo]

We have the Constitution. We also have the Federalist letters. They were publicly posted notices by the framers of the Constitiution. No matter how the author of the article wants to interpret the Constitution, the intent of the founding fathers is clearly identified. They saw corruption in leadership an equal or greater threat than attacks from outside powers. I'll have to double check but I believe it was James Mason who originally believed the ownership of firearms and a reasonable amount of ammo supplies should be a requirement for a citizen. He felt each man had an equal share of responsibility in keeping the union safe from enemies foreign and domestic. The founding fathers were wise enough and had experienced enough to understand reality. Men have a sin nature that leads them to become corrupt and take freedom from others.

Todays generation has little grasp on reality. They still believe in santa claus. They think that the leadership in this country, even if they violate all rules of law, are really selfless servants who will take care of every physical, emotional, intellectual and spritual need.

 

[devious169]

I have no further use for people who don't believe in the Constitution. It's written in english, black and white if they cannot grasp the meaning of it and our way of life, they are more than welcomed to get the hell out of this country!

 

[Expat]

I bet she is a blast to chat with at parties...

 

[SSGSAD]

I have no further use for people who don't believe in the Constitution. It's written in english, black and white if they cannot grasp the meaning of it and our way of life, they are more than welcomed to get the hell out of this country!

I am NOT too worried, about the Declaration of Independence, I am far more concerned, the way SOME people, esp., in Wash. D. C., read the Constitution, and the Bill of RIGHTS !!!!!

 

[jbombelli]

So? I fail to see how the meaning of it changes in any way by changing the period to a comma or semicolon.

 

[Leo]

So? I fail to see how the meaning of it changes in any way by changing the period to a comma or semicolon.

In the book ANIMAL FARM, the pigs had to change the constitution to acheive their supremacy to enslave the others. There is a whole section of the country that have been trying to put themselves in the top seat. They are distorting our Constitution to try to allow int. oink oink.

 

[KG1]

The Constitution is viewed as an obstacle by some.

 

[jbombelli]

In the book ANIMAL FARM, the pigs had to change the constitution to acheive their supremacy to enslave the others. There is a whole section of the country that have been trying to put themselves in the top seat. They are distorting our Constitution to try to allow int. oink oink.

We aren't talking about the Constitution. We're talking about the Declaration of Independence, so unless someone can point out how changing a period to a semicolon results in a document that no longer declares independence, I don't see any point in your comparison.

 

[Leo]

We aren't talking about the Constitution. We're talking about the Declaration of Independence, so unless someone can point out how changing a period to a semicolon results in a document that no longer declares independence, I don't see any point in your comparison.

I am guilty of generalizing. I consider anyone trying to change any of the foundational documents of our nation to be of the same motivation.

 

[IndyDave1776]

I would say that the most significant problem with interpreting the Declaration of Independence is that so many in government over a fairly long period of time have come to mistake the list of grievances against the British government for a list of instructions for them to follow.

 

[Spear Dane]

It could say Washington sexually abused his sheep but it would still be utterly meaningless because the Declaration is not a foundational codification of law. That's what the Articles of Confederation, Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Amendments were/are for.