1. American Declaration of Independence
In Continental Congress, July 4, 1776:
"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. That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed..."
2. The American Constitution.
First signed on September 17, 1787 ... ratified by all states in early 1789.
Preamble: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
3. Address of Susan B. Anthony
After her arrest on charges of voting illegally in the 1872 election:
"Friends and fellow-citizens: I stand before you tonight, under indictment for the alleged crime of having voted at the last Presidential election, without having a lawful right to vote. It shall be my work this evening to prove to you that in thus voting, I not only committed no crime, but, instead, simply exercised my
citizen's right, guaranteed to me and all US citizens by the National Constitution, beyond the power of any State to deny...."
4. Musings (and "almost-declarations") of this editor.
a. I don't think this blog is a space for the blind follower or partisan of any race, gender, religion, creed, thinker, artist, nationality, country, sexual orientation, bodily ability, political persuasion, etc.
b. I hope it is a space for any "followers" who wish to question and challenge me.
c. I try to remain aware of my own ignorance.
d. I doubt that I am ever fully successful at this.
e. I think this kind of doubt can be good.
f. There will be views, expressions, images, youtube videos, film clips, etc from many different viewpoints (in space and across time) on this blog.
g. g is my favorite letter, and this particular kind of "g" is the one I like the most.
h. I contain multitudes. Sometimes this is a vice, but more often it is a virtue.
i. I see, hear, read, care about and criticize dead people, as well as the living.
j. I think we can have world peace and revolution.
k. I think any great person can lead you to discover new truths about the world and yourself, if you have the courage, faith, charity, generosity, moderation, hope, and wisdom to let them.
l. This is a space for those who are gifted, creative, and aesthetically and politically inclined. I am pretty sure this includes everyone.
m. This utterance makes "g" the middle point, and many people think this is an important place to think from.
November 6, 2008
