13 colonies [in the New World] declared Independence over the British Empire and British rule. The war that resulted would ensure that “taxation without representation” would not endure. That instead, free men could create their own government and make it [for the people, by the people]. King George III of Great Britain had given the colonists no power in Parliament [in London] to represent the taxes they were levying. Thus, the colonists had become a tax base without a single man as their elected representative.

In the American Revolutionary War 6,800 of our men would perish and another 6,100 were wounded; a total of 20,000 men taken prisoner. Some historians claimed that 8-12,000 died while in captivity. Still others claim as many as 17,000 men were lost to disease(s). Please read the Declaration of Independence to your children, and do this in advance of tossing a burger on the grill because your burger will taste even better.

Many have asked, were all men represented? The answer was NOT YET. While keeping this brief I encourage you to read the Dred Scott Supreme Court Decision and what a former slave, Frederick Douglas, said regarding our independence:
“I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation’s destiny; so indeed I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.” Frederick Douglas, a man who escaped slavery! And please note the number of times the word “tyranny” comes up in our sacred Declaration of Independence… wishing all of you a safe and happy 4th of July!
Contributed by guest writer, Jeff Page.

Commentary:
Looks as if history has proven out that America is the place where slavery goes to die? America was founded by mostly white men who escaped tyranny at the hands of the British and in turn people born here in slavery, [such as Frederick Douglas, among others] fought for those same freedoms from indentured servitude. Let these examples be a testament [on this day and everyday forward] to the most fundamental of God’s Given Rights – the Right to Live in Freedom!
B. Newman