Declaration of Independence

The United States Declaration of Independence was the document sent to the King of Great Britain in 1776, declaring independence from the British Empire. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson for the Second Continental Congress, to send it passed unanimously by all delegations from the colonies (except one).

Most conservatives don't quote it or even make reference to it, because they don't think that it should have been sent. In fact, one the items high on the conservative agenda is to stop the march of time, return all land from the Louisiana Purchase back to the French in exchange for a few bottles of old wine and piece of apple pie, return California to the Spanish in exchange for a sword and a chance to call the King of Spain a fascist, and submit back to the British Parliament. Another reason why they should not be allowed in the city of Philadelphia-- oh right, they're aren't any there already. Coincidence? I think not; they obviously fear independence and never go near the sight it.

The Declaration also declares (as it is a declaration) that all men have the right to "life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness," and that "governments are insituted among men to protect these rights." However, many conservatives and Republicans feel that governments should not be instituted among men, and the people can just lie down and sleep for their whole lives. And if one of them committs a crime, then, "let's cut off their head!" and then have the government give the rest of the people a few dollars so they can "buy themselves something nice." See George W. Bush.

One of the more remarkable aspects to the Declaration is that it was the first time that any colony had broken off of its mother-country. The American Revolution set off more colonial revolts, such as that of Mexico from Spain.

Approval
John Adams and Benjamin Franklin helped persuade other colonies that it was time for independence, especially after the British attacks on Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The votes at the Second Continental Congress in 1776 were:


 * 1) New Hampshire: yes.
 * 2) Massachusetts: yes.
 * 3) Rhode Island: yes.
 * 4) Connecticut: yes.
 * 5) New York abstained.
 * 6) Pennsylvania: yes.
 * 7) New Jersey: yes.
 * 8) Delaware: yes.
 * 9) Maryland: yes.
 * 10) South Carolina: yes.
 * 11) North Carolina: yes.
 * 12) Georgia: yes.
 * 13) Virginia: yes.

This was one of the only issues that the Southern states agreed with the Northern back then.