One time when Congress agreed
Dear Editor:
July 4, 1776, the unanimous declaration of the 13 United States of America claimed their independence from Great Britain including listing the reasons based on the performance history of the then present king of Great Britain, i.e. “repeated injuries and usurpations of his absolute tyranny over the states.” Some of the more “minor” injuries included:
He has refused his assent to laws most wholesome and necessary for the public good; obstructed the administration of justice by making judges dependent on his will alone; erected a multitude of new offices and sent officers to harass the people. During those desperate and dangerous times, this was the only time Congress was in complete agreement as 56 men signed their names to the famous document. What would it take for our present-day Congress to work together — a fight for survival from a common threat? What might that threat look like? Do any of the early American complaints sound familiar? The king issued a proclamation stating that anyone who went against him would be brought to justice. Are we destined to go down the same path of government tyranny? It is interesting that there were no political parties in 1776.
Jan Bible
968 W. Millers Cove Road
Walland, TN 37886
